leptospira

[lep-tuh-spahy-ruh]

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.

Origin of leptospira

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

Related formslep·to·spi·ral, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

leptospira in Medicine

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.