listeria

[li-steer-ee-uh]

noun

Bacteriology.

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

listeria

/ lɪsˈtɪərɪə /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• listerial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of listeria¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of listeria¹

C20: named after Joseph _Lister

Example Sentences

It is rare for food contaminated by listeria, a bacterium, to cause a very serious infection, known as listeriosis.

Read more on BBC

Fresh & Ready Foods voluntarily recalled several premade sandwiches and snacks after federal regulators found a strain of listeria linked to a 2024 outbreak.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Member’s Mark Freeze-Dried Fruit Variety Packs from Sam’s Club have been recalled due to potential listeria contamination.

Read more on Salon

Some potted coriander plants and a hummus product have been recalled in Northern Ireland due to the possible presence of listeria.

Read more on BBC

The symptoms of a listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and even seizures, according to the CDC.

Read more on Los Angeles Times