listeria

American  

[li-steer-ee-uh] / lɪˈstɪər i ə /

noun

Bacteriology.

1. any of several rod-shaped, aerobic, parasitic bacteria of the genus Listeria, pathogenic for humans and animals.

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listeria British  

/ lɪsˈtɪərɪə /

noun

1. any rodlike Gram-positive bacterium of the genus Listeria , esp L. monocytogenes , the cause of listeriosis

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Other Word Forms

• listerial adjective

Etymology

Origin of listeria

1960–65; < New Latin, named after J. Lister; see -ia

Explanation

Listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate food and make people very sick. In pregnant and elderly people, the infection caused by listeria is particularly dangerous. Infants and people with compromised immune systems are also especially vulnerable to listeriosis, the infection that the listeria bacteria can cause. The most serious cases can lead to blood infection and meningitis. Hand washing and thoroughly cooking raw food can help prevent the growth of listeria, and susceptible people can stay safe by avoiding certain foods, including soft cheese and raw hot dogs. Listeria is named in honor of the groundbreaking early 20th-century bacteriologist Joseph Lister.

Example Sentences

The FDA has long warned against consuming raw, unpasteurized milk, citing risks of dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, listeria and E. coli that can lead to severe illness or, in rare cases, death.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Of course, safety issues abound in commercial dog food, too, where recalls for salmonella and listeria contamination are fairly common.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of listeria infection, like fever, muscle aches and diarrhea, should contact their healthcare provider.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2026

Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, Calif., has recalled nearly 245,000 pounds of pre-cooked pasta linked to a deadly listeria outbreak and potential contamination of dozens of products.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

Four people have been diagnosed with sepsis after eating at a luxury restaurant in Stockholm as part of a suspected listeria outbreak.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2025