noun
streptococcus
strep-tuh-KAH-kus/ˌstreptəˈkɑːkəs/
A spherical bacterium that forms chains and can cause infections.
A streptococcus can cause a sore throat and fever.
Etymology
The twisting element refers to the chains these bacteria usually form, while “berry” evokes each cell’s round shape. The name describes their arrangement and shape rather than their ability to cause infection.
In context
remember the main causative organisms of impetigo are gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Group A streptococcus
More examples
- Under the microscope, the streptococci appear in chains.
- Some streptococci live in the mouth without causing illness.
- The lab identifies the streptococcus responsible for the infection.
Forms
streptococcus · streptococci
streptococcal adjective — Relating to streptococci or infections they cause.
Similar words
- coccus
- Any spherical bacterium, not necessarily one that forms chains.
- bacterium
- A broader term covering many shapes and arrangements.