The word 'streptomycin' is a modern scientific coinage from the mid-20th century. Its first element, 'strepto-', is borrowed from Greek, referencing the twisted, chain-like structure of the Streptomyces bacteria from which the antibiotic is derived. The second element, '-mycin', is a standard suffix in antibiotic nomenclature, taken from the Greek word for fungus, reflecting the fungal origin of many such compounds. Thus, the name literally denotes a "twisted-fungus" substance, logically describing its biological source and distinguishing it from other antibiotics like penicillin.

Structure: strepto (twisted) + mycin (fungus-derived substance) - strepto: from Greek 'streptos', meaning "twisted" or "pliant". It functions as a combining form in scientific terminology, often referring to twisted chain formations. - mycin: a modern scientific suffix derived from Greek 'mykēs' (fungus), indicating a substance derived from a fungus or fungus-like bacterium. It functions as a noun-forming suffix in antibiotic names.