Gram-variable

American  

[gram-vair-ee-uh-buhl] / ˈgræmˈvɛər i ə bəl /

adjective

(often lowercase)

1. of or relating to bacteria that stain irregularly with Gram's stain, being neither Gram-positive nor Gram-negative.

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Etymology

Origin of Gram-variable

First recorded in 1955–60; see origin at Gram's method