definitions

leptospira

[ lep-tuh-spahy-ruh ]
/ ˌlɛp təˈspaɪ rə /

noun, plural lep·to·spi·rae [lep-tuh-spahy-ree] /ˌlɛp təˈspaɪ ri/, lep·to·spi·ras. Bacteriology.

any of several spirally shaped, aerobic bacteria of the genus Leptospira, certain species of which are pathogenic for human beings.

Nearby words

leptophyllous, leptorrhine, leptosomatic, leptosome, leptospermum, leptospira, leptospiral jaundice, leptospirosis, leptospiruria, leptosporangiate, leptotene

Origin of leptospira

< New Latin (1917), equivalent to lepto- lepto- + Latin spīra coil; see spire2

Related forms

lep·to·spi·ral, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for leptospira

Leptospira

[ lĕp′tō-spī′rə ]

n.

A genus of aerobic spirochetes of the order Spirochaetales, consisting of thin, tightly coiled cells, many species of which cause leptospirosis.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.