coliform

American  

[kol-uh-fawrm, koh-luh-] / ˈkɒl əˌfɔrm, ˈkoʊ lə- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a coliform bacillus.

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noun

1. coliform bacillus.

Etymology

Origin of coliform

1850–55; < New Latin coli, genitive of Latin colum, colon colon ² (the specific epithet of various species of bacteria inhabiting the colon, as Escherichia coli; construed as col- + -i- ) + -form

Example Sentences

Despite being widely trusted, bottled water was six times more likely to test positive for coliform bacteria than other water sources.

From Science Daily • Jan. 23, 2026

However, testing showed that among the 11 water sources examined, bottled water was the most likely to contain coliform bacteria, which signal fecal contamination.

From Science Daily • Jan. 23, 2026

The department has been testing the surface water, and the latest July results identified high levels of coliform and E. coli bacteria, which is typical in floodwater.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2023

In 2009, high levels of fecal coliform, bacteria like E. coli associated with human and animal waste, led the state to halt shellfish harvests on the upper third of the river.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2023

Pick off coliform or typhiform colonies; make streak or smear subcultivations upon nutrient agar; incubate aerobically for twenty-four hours at 37° C. 15.

From The Elements of Bacteriological Technique A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by Eyre, J. W. H. (John William Henry)