rhizobium

[ rahy-zoh-bee-uhm ]

noun

, Bacteriology.

, plural rhi·zo·bi·a [rahy-, zoh, -bee-, uh].

1. any of several rod-shaped bacteria of the genus Rhizobium, found as symbiotic nitrogen fixers in nodules on the roots of the bean, clover, etc.

rhizobium

/ raɪˈzəʊbɪəm /

noun

1. See nitrogen fixation
   any rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Rhizobium , typically occurring in the root nodules of leguminous plants and able to fix atmospheric nitrogen See also nitrogen fixation

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhizobium¹

< New Latin (1889), equivalent to rhizo- rhizo- + Greek bí ( os ) life ( bio- ) + Latin -um noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhizobium¹

C20: from rhizo- + Greek bios life

Example Sentences

The rhizobia return the favor by converting nitrogen in the atmosphere into ammonia that is used by the plant.

From MIT Technology Review

The technical name of these bacteria is Rhizobium leguminosarum.

From Project Gutenberg