borrelia

[ buh-rel-ee-uh, -rel-yuh, -ree-lee-uh, -reel-yuh ]

noun

, Bacteriology.

1. any of several spiral, parasitic bacteria of the genus Borrelia, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans, other mammals, or birds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of borrelia¹

< New Latin (1907), named after Amédée Borrel (died 1936); -ia

Example Sentences

Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the illness is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick.

From The Daily Beast