Legionella
noun
a genus of rod- or coccus-shaped aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, certain species of which, as L. pneumophila, produce legionnaires' disease.
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Legionella
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legionella
legionellanounany Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Legionella, including L. pneumophila, which causes legionnaire's disease
Legionella
American
[lee-juh-nel-uh]
/ ˌli dʒəˈnɛl ə /
noun
legionella
British
/ ˌliːdʒəˈnɛlə /
noun
Etymology
Origin of Legionella
< New Latin (1979), after legionnaires' disease; see -ella
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.
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Legionella can grow and spread in devices such as hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, complex plumbing systems, showerheads, sink faucets and decorative fountains, according to the California Department of Public Health.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2026
Infection can occur when Legionella — which appears naturally in environments such as lakes and streams — gets into building water systems and people breathe in mist containing the bacteria, according to the U.S.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2026
High levels of Legionella bacteria were found in a cooling tower at Embassy Suites Napa Valley, though none of the patients had visited the hotel.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2026
Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection most commonly contracted through the inhalation of water droplets containing Legionella bacteria.
From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2025
That followed problems, including traces of Legionella bacteria being found in the vessel’s on-board water system, days after the first asylum seekers boarded in August 2023.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2024
The opening of a new £41m Sussex health centre has been delayed after inspectors found legionella bacterium in the heating system.
From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2025
Legionnaires' disease, caused by the legionella bacteria, can result in a severe form of pneumonia.
From Reuters ● Sep. 14, 2023
It's important not to set it any lower as it could create a health risk - legionella bacteria could develop in the water.
From BBC ● Dec. 11, 2022
Flint's water also contained trihalomethane, a carcinogen, as well as dangerous E. coli and legionella bacteria.
From Salon ● Nov. 26, 2021
Though no patients or staff were sickened by legionella, the lawsuit was expanded in April as the coronavirus began to spread in the facility.
From Washington Post ● May 26, 2020
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