streptococcus

noun

strep·​to·​coc·​cus ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-kəs How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
plural streptococci ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-ˌkī How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
-(ˌ)kē;
-ˈkäk-ˌsī How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
-(ˌ)sē
: any of a genus (Streptococcus) of spherical or ovoid chiefly nonmotile and parasitic gram-positive bacteria that divide only in one plane, occur in pairs or chains, and include important pathogens of humans and domestic animals
broadly : a coccus occurring in chains

Examples of streptococcus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Other infections: Some infectious organisms that do not typically target the liver, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), streptococcus, tuberculosis, and others, can sometimes affect the liver, potentially causing liver fibrosis. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024 Scarlet fever, a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus. Rubella, a viral infection also known as German measles. Anne Thompson, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2024 In December 2022, five European countries reported to the World Health Organization an increase in invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS), with children under 10 the most impacted. Helen Regan, CNN, 17 June 2024 In late 2022 at least five European nations reported to the World Health Organization an increase in cases of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) disease, which includes STSS. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for streptococcus 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of streptococcus was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near streptococcus

Cite this Entry

“Streptococcus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streptococcus. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

streptococcus

noun
strep·​to·​coc·​cus ˌstrep-tə-ˈkäk-əs How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
plural streptococci -ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
-(ˌ)(s)ē
: any of various mostly parasitic round bacteria that occur in pairs or chains and include some that cause diseases in human beings and animals

Medical Definition

streptococcus

noun
strep·​to·​coc·​cus -ˈkäk-əs How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of spherical or ovoid chiefly nonmotile and parasitic gram-positive bacteria (family Streptococcaceae) that divide only in one plane, occur in pairs or chains, and include important pathogens of humans and domestic animals
2
plural streptococci -ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī How to pronounce streptococcus (audio) : any bacterium of the genus Streptococcus
broadly : a coccus occurring in chains

More from Merriam-Webster on streptococcus

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