staphylococcus

[ staf-uh-luh-kok-uhs ]

noun,plural staph·y·lo·coc·ci

[staf-uh-luh-kok-sahy]. /ˌstæf ə ləˈkɒk saɪ/. Bacteriology.

any of several spherical bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, occurring in pairs, tetrads, and irregular clusters, certain species of which, as S. aureus, can be pathogenic for humans.

Origin of staphylococcus

From New Latin, dating back to 1885–90; see origin at staphylo-, coccus

Other words from staphylococcus

staph·y·lo·coc·cal [staf-uh-luh-kok-uhl], /ˌstæf ə ləˈkɒk əl/, staph·y·lo·coc·cic [staf-uh-luh-kok-sik], /ˌstæf ə ləˈkɒk sɪk/, adjective

Words Nearby staphylococcus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use staphylococcus in a sentence

Discharges which have continued for some time are practically always contaminated with the staphylococcus.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
The staphylococcus, bacillus of Friedlnder, colon bacillus, and Bacillus pyocyaneus may be met in chronic middle-ear disease.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
The bacterial infection was proved by culture from the eyes and nose, usually yielding the staphylococcus.
The Treatment of Hay Fever | George Frederick Laidlaw
From the softened parts Mr. Somerville Hastings succeeded in obtaining staphylococcus pyogenes aureus in pure culture.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4) | Various
The administration of staphylococcus vaccine causes only temporary improvement in most instances.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4) | Various

British Dictionary definitions for staphylococcus

staphylococcus

/ (ˌstæfɪləʊˈkɒkəs) /

nounplural -cocci (-ˈkɒkaɪ, US -ˈkɒksaɪ)

any spherical Gram-positive bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus, typically occurring in clusters and including many pathogenic species, causing boils, infection in wounds, and septicaemia: family Micrococcaceae: Often shortened to: staph

Origin of staphylococcus

C19: from staphylo- (in the sense: like a bunch of grapes) + coccus so called because of their shape

Derived forms of staphylococcus

staphylococcal (ˌstæfɪləʊˈkɒkəl) or staphylococcic (ˌstæfɪləʊˈkɒkɪk, US -ˈkɒksɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for staphylococcus

staphylococcus

[ stăf′ə-lō-kŏk′əs ]

Plural staphylococci (stăf′ə-lō-kŏk′sī, -kŏk′ī)

Any of various bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus that are gram-positive cocci and are normally found on the skin and mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. Pathogenic strains such as S. aureus commonly cause infections of the skin, bones, lungs and other organs. Some staphylococcal disease, such as food poisoning, is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria.

Cultural definitions for staphylococcus

staphylococcus

[ (staf-uh-loh-kok-uhs) ]

A category of bacteria that can cause boils, blood poisoning, and other serious infections.

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