listeria
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of listeria
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.
Vocabulary lists containing listeria
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for July 20–July 26, 2024
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
HelloFresh used to get some ready-to-heat meals from FreshRealm but ended that relationship in the wake of the listeria problems, said a HelloFresh spokeswoman.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
The farm screens each batch for four types of bacteria: salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter and listeria, all of which thrive in the intestines of cattle and can contaminate milk through microscopic flecks of infected feces.
From Salon ● Jun. 22, 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
Member’s Mark Freeze-Dried Fruit Variety Packs from Sam’s Club have been recalled due to potential listeria contamination.
From Salon ● Aug. 6, 2025
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