diphtheroid
[ dif-thuh-roid, dip- ]
/ ˈdɪf θəˌrɔɪd, ˈdɪp- /
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adjective Pathology.
resembling diphtheria, especially in the formation of a false membrane in the throat.
noun
any bacterium, especially of the genus Corynebacterium, that resembles the diphtheria bacillus but does not produce diphtheria toxin.
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Origin of diphtheroid
First recorded in 1860–65; diphther(ia) + -oid
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
Medical definitions for diphtheroid
diphtheroid
[ dĭf′thə-roid′ ]
n.
A local infection that resembles diphtheria, especially in the formation of a false membrane, but that is caused by a microorganism other than Corynebacterium diphtheriae.pseudodiphtheria
Any of various microorganisms resembling Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Other words from diphtheroid
diph′the•roid′ adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.