streptococcus

[ strep-tuh-kok-uhs ]

/ ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk əs /

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noun, plural strep·to·coc·ci

[strep-tuh-kok-sahy, -see]. /ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk saɪ, -si/. Bacteriology.

any of several spherical or oval bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, occurring in pairs or chains, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans, causing scarlet fever, tonsillitis, etc.

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Origin of streptococcus

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at strepto-, coccus

OTHER WORDS FROM streptococcus

strep·to·coc·cal

[strep-tuh-kok-uhl], /ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk əl/, strep·to·coc·cic

[strep-tuh-kok-sik], /ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk sɪk/, adjective

Words nearby streptococcus

strepto-, streptobacillus, streptocarpus, streptocerciasis, streptococcemia, streptococcus, streptococcus erythrogenic toxin, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use streptococcus in a sentence

Turns out, there are specific strains of bacteria — streptococcus mutans, in particular — that are more common in mouths with cavities.
Why People Who Brush Still Get Cavities|Maggie Koerth (maggie.koerth-baker@fivethirtyeight.com)|August 18, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
By far the most frequent exciting causes of acute otitis media are the pneumococcus and the streptococcus.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
The least trace of Gomenol prevents the growth in vitro of the streptococcus, the tuberculous bacillus and the gonococcus.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2|Various
Erysipelas is a much-dreaded disease which is the result of infection with the blood-poisoning germ—streptococcus.
The Mother and Her Child|William S. Sadler

Cultivations from the liver gave a pure growth of what appeared to be a typical (non-capsulated) Streptococcus pyogenes longus.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique|John William Henry Eyre
If the resulting growth resembles that of the streptococcus, make subcultivations upon nutrient agar.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique|John William Henry Eyre

British Dictionary definitions for streptococcus

streptococcus

/ (ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəs) /

noun plural -cocci (-ˈkɒkaɪ, US -ˈkɒksaɪ)

any Gram-positive spherical bacterium of the genus Streptococcus, typically occurring in chains and including many pathogenic species, such as S. pyogenes, which causes scarlet fever, sore throat, etc: family LactobacillaceaeOften shortened to: strep

Derived forms of streptococcus

streptococcal (ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəl) or rare streptococcic (ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkɪk, 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

Medical definitions for streptococcus (1 of 2)

streptococcus

[ strĕp′tə-kŏk′əs ]

n. pl. strep•to•coc•ci (-kŏk′sī, -kŏk′ī)

A bacterium of the genus Streptococcus.

Other words from streptococcus

strep′to•coc′cal null adj.

Medical definitions for streptococcus (2 of 2)

Streptococcus

A genus of gram-positive, anaerobic, often pathogenic bacteria having an ovoid or spherical appearance and occurring in pairs or chains, including many erythrocytolytic and pathogenic species that cause erysipelas, scarlet fever, and septic sore throat in humans.

Scientific definitions for streptococcus

streptococcus

[ strĕp′tə-kŏk′əs ]

Plural streptococci (strĕp′tə-kŏk′sī, -kŏk′ī)

Any of various bacteria of the genus Streptococcus that are gram-positive cocci and are normally found on the skin and mucous membranes and in the digestive tract of mammals. One type of streptococcus, Group A, is a common pathogen in humans and causes various infections, including strep throat, scarlet fever, pneumonia, and some types of impetigo.

Cultural definitions for streptococcus

streptococcus

[ (strep-tuh-kok-uhs) ]

A category of bacteria that can cause various infections in humans, including scarlet fever and strep throat.