3 syllables: Ma, cro, lides. Stress on Ma.
MAK-roh-leyedz
/ˈmækroʊlaɪdz/
Macrolides is pronounced MAK-roh-leyedz (/ˈmækroʊlaɪdz/). It has three syllables (Ma-cro-lides), with the stress on "Ma". Macrolides are a class of antibiotics derived from bacteria, characterized by large lactone rings and multiple deoxy sugars. They inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. Common examples include erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin. (2–4 sentences, ~60 words).
nounMacrolides are a class of antibiotics derived from bacteria, characterized by large lactone rings and multiple deoxy sugars. They inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. Common examples include erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin. (2–4 sentences, ~60 words)
"The physician prescribed macrolides due to a penicillin allergy."
"Macrolides are preferred for certain atypical pneumonias."
"She researched macrolides’ spectrum of activity before treatment."
Pronounce as /ˌmæ.kɜːˈlaɪdz/ (US) or /ˌmæ.kəˈlaɪdz/ (UK/AU). The primary stress lands on the third syllable: ma-CRY-lides, with -laɪdz sounding like 'lides' and a light, quick /ɪ/ before the final /dz/. Start with /ˌmæ/ (mah), move to /kɜː/ or /kə/ (ker or ku), then /ˈlaɪdz/ (lydz). Audio example: listen to medical pronunciation resources to confirm the /ˈlaɪdz/ cluster.
Two common errors: 1) Dropping the mid syllable vowel (ma-CRY-lides vs. ma-CRo-lides). 2) Lingering /ɪ/ before /dz/ or mispronouncing the final /dz/ as /d/ or /z/ separately. Correction: keep the central schwa or /ɜː/ in the second syllable (ma-ker-lydz), and fuse the final /l/ and /aɪdz/ into a smooth /laɪdz/ cluster, ensuring the final palatal affricate stays crisp.
US tends to use /ˌmæ.kɜːˈlaɪdz/ with a rhotic /ɜːr/ quality and a clear /laɪdz/ ending. UK/AU often reduce the /ɜː/ to /ə/ as /ˌmæ.kəˈlaɪdz/ and may have a slightly shorter final /dz/ release. The main difference is vowel quality in the second syllable and the presence or absence of rhoticity, which affects how the /ɜːr/ or /ə/ is realized.
The difficulty lies in the three-syllable rhythm with a stressed third syllable and a consonant cluster at the end: /ˈlaɪdz/ blends the /d/ and /z/ into a single affricate that can be hard for non-native speakers. Additionally, the mid syllable /ɜː/ or /ə/ can be reduced, changing perceived stress. Focus on the rise into the /laɪdz/ and keep the final /dz/ crisp.
A unique feature is the final /laɪdz/ cluster: /laɪdz/ is not /laɪd/ + z; keep the z voiced as a single affricate and avoid de-voicing. The stress peak on the third syllable (/laɪdz/) should feel like a strong beat, while the preceding syllable remains lighter but clear. IPA guidance helps: /ˌmæ.kɜːˈlaɪdz/ (US) vs /ˌmæ.kəˈlaɪdz/ (UK/AU).
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Macrolides derives from the Greek macro- meaning 'large' and -lides from the Greek ledo or leede related to 'sively forming' in pharmacological naming, though the exact root is tied to macrolactone rings (large lactone structures) which define the class. The term emphasizes the macrocyclic lactone core that characterizes these antibiotics. First used in the mid-20th century as scientists described new antibiotics with large ring lactone structures, the name has persisted to denote the whole class (macrolide antibiotics). The evolution tracks from early actinomycete-derived compounds to clinically essential drugs like erythromycin (1950s), followed by semi-synthetic derivatives (clarithromycin, azithromycin) in later decades. The nomenclature reflects both chemical structure and therapeutic grouping. (200-300 words)
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Words that rhyme with "Macrolides"
-ids sounds
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