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
Escherichia coli bacteria on the right are sensitive to two beta-lactam antibiotics, and do not grow in the semi-circular regions surrounding the antibiotics. Source: Internet
Mechanism of action Ampicillin is in the penicillin group of beta-lactam antibiotics and is part of the aminopenicillin family. Source: Internet
This is a benefit over clavulonic acid and similar beta-lactam competitors, because they cannot be hydrolysed, and therefore rendered useless. Source: Internet