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

Botulism is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 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

Within months, outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium difficile, and E. coli are observed in patients around the world.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson