Definition of "lactam" [lac•tam]

• Any of a class of cyclic amides, that are the nitrogen analogs of lactones, formed by heating amino acids; the tautomeric enol forms are known as lactims. (noun)

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• "Lactacystin is a cyclic amide, which is also known as a lactam."
• "Why should you know which beta-lactam would appropriately treat a pneumonia patient with pseudomonal risk when the EMR prompts the appropriate selection for you?"
• "Without a cell wall the organism is resistant to the effects of penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics, which disrupt bacterial cell walls."