clostridium

American  

[klo-strid-ee-uhm] / klɒˈstrɪd i əm /

noun

Bacteriology.

plural

clostridia

1. any of several rod-shaped, spore-forming, anaerobic bacteria of the genus Clostridium, found in soil and in the intestinal tract of humans and animals.

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clostridium British  

/ klɒˈstrɪdɪəm /

noun

1. any anaerobic typically rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Clostridium , occurring mainly in soil, but also in the intestines of humans and animals: family Bacillaceae . The genus includes the species causing botulism and tetanus

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Other Word Forms

• clostridial
  adjective
• clostridian
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of clostridium

1880–85; < New Latin < Greek klōstr-, variant stem of klōstḗr spindle ( klōs-, variant stem of klṓthein ( see Clotho) + -tēr agent suffix) + New Latin -idium -idium

Example Sentences

Faecal transplants – also known as a trans-poo-tion - are already approved for treating severe diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025

In 2017, authorities reported the discovery of fragments of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria in skeletal remains and teeth.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 20, 2024

Clostridium are anaerobic, meaning they don't like environments with oxygen.

From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2024

That means they can kill off good bacteria and lead to the overgrowth of potentially dangerous ones such as Clostridium difficile or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

From Scientific American • Oct. 5, 2023

Excessive abdominal noise is an uncommon, but not unprecedented, presenting symptom of infection with the bacteria Clostridium difficile, which can be fatal.

From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green