noun
strep
STREP/strˈɛp/
Bacteria belonging to the streptococcus group.
The throat model shows inflammation that strep bacteria can cause.
Etymology
Strep shortens streptococcus, the name of bacteria that typically form chains. Used in strep throat, the shortened bacterial name also identifies the infection they cause.
In context
gets strep throat, and then they get a specific pattern of psoriasis we call Guttate psoriasis
More examples
- Some types of strep live harmlessly in the throat.
- Antibiotics can kill the strep causing this infection.
- The test detects group A strep in a throat sample.
Forms
strep · streps
streptococcal adjective — Caused by or involving streptococcus bacteria.
Similar words
- streptococcus
- The full name, used more often in technical writing.