coliform
Americanadjective
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
Due to runoff from agricultural fields and homes, “the fecal coliform bacteria count goes up,” Finger said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 21, 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)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
