leptospira

[lep-tuh-spahy-ruh]

noun

Bacteriology.

plural

leptospirae, leptospiras 

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

Other Word Forms

• leptospiral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of leptospira¹

< New Latin (1917), equivalent to lepto- lepto- + Latin spīra coil; spire ²

Example Sentences

You’ll also want to have your dog vaccinated against leptospirosis, as communal water bowls, puddles and other water features in dog parks can carry leptospira bacteria.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leptospira can live outside a host for a matter of weeks or months, depending on conditions.

Read more on Washington Times

The plague may sounds like an illness from the dark ages, but what about E-coli, salmonella or leptospira?

Read more on Los Angeles Times