leptospira

[ lep-tuh-spahy-ruh ]

noun

, Bacteriology.

, plural lep·to·spi·rae [lep-t, uh, -, spahy, -ree], lep·to·spi·ras.

1. any of several spirally shaped, aerobic bacteria of the genus Leptospira, certain species of which are pathogenic for human beings.

Other Words From

• lepto·spiral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of leptospira¹

< New Latin (1917), equivalent to lepto- lepto- + Latin spīra coil; spire ²