Legionella

American  

[lee-juh-nel-uh] / ˌli dʒəˈnɛl ə /

noun

1. a genus of rod- or coccus-shaped aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, certain species of which, as L. pneumophila, produce legionnaires' disease.

---

legionella British  

/ ˌliːdʒəˈnɛlə /

noun

1. any Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Legionella, including L. pneumophila, which causes legionnaire's disease

---

Etymology

Origin of Legionella

< New Latin (1979), after legionnaires' disease; -ella

Example Sentences

Following her diagnosis, the Greek health ministry issued a statement to hoteliers in Crete to "raise awareness among all those involved in monitoring the quality of water for human consumption especially with regard to Legionella".

From BBC

Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection most commonly contracted through the inhalation of water droplets containing Legionella bacteria.

From BBC

The opening of a new £41m Sussex health centre has been delayed after inspectors found legionella bacterium in the heating system.

From BBC

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

As well as site security, Mr Lewis is responsible for "alarm testing, the sprinkler pump testing, the legionella testing and day-to-day maintenance of the school".

From BBC