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gonococcus

American  
[gon-uh-kok-uhs] / ˌgɒn əˈkɒk əs /

noun

plural

gonococci
  1. the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, causing gonorrhea.


gonococcus British  
/ ˌɡɒnəʊˈkɒkəs /

noun

  1. a spherical Gram-negative bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, that causes gonorrhoea: family Neisseriaceae

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • gonococcal adjective
  • gonococcic adjective
  • gonococcoid adjective

Etymology

Origin of gonococcus

First recorded in 1885–90; gono- + -coccus

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.

Although this variety of conjunctivitis is principally due to infection by gonococci, other microbes, which more frequently set up a catarrhal type, may lead to the purulent form.

From Project Gutenberg

Pyogenic Diseases are met with in childhood and youth as a result of infection with the common pyogenic organisms, gonococci, pneumococci, or typhoid bacilli.

From Project Gutenberg

It is possible for gonococci to lie latent in the inguinal glands for long periods, and only give rise to lymphadenitis if the glands be subsequently subjected to injury.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not so discriminating as the gonococcus in its points of inoculation, nor is it as vulnerable to attack; and it is vastly more destructive to the tissues invaded.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most striking illustrations is the gonococcus of gonorrhœa, whose presence in and around gives to the pus cells their virulent properties, and when transferred to the eye works such lamentable mischief.

From Project Gutenberg