beta-lactam

== English == === Alternative forms === β-lactam, betalactam === Etymology === From beta +‎ lactam, where beta refers to the position of the carbon atom to which the nitrogen is attached. === Noun === beta-lactam (plural beta-lactams) (organic chemistry) A lactam having a four-membered ring structure; a structural element of many antibiotics such as penicillin. Hypernym: lactam ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ====