streptococcus

[ strep-tuh-kok-uh s ]

/ ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk əs /

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.

Words nearby streptococcus

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

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-uh l] /ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk əl/, strep·to·coc·cic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for streptococcus

This may be a wound or a purulent blister, and the streptococcus pyogenes is the organism most frequently present.
Manual of Surgery|Alexis Thomson and Alexander Miles
One blood culture revealed the presence of streptococcus in addition to Bacillus pestis.
Plague|Thomas Wright Jackson
The most common cause of contagious mammitis in cattle is a spherical bacterium in chain form (Streptococcus) (Moore, Ward).
Special Report on Diseases of Cattle|U.S. Department of Agriculture
Pick off streptococcus colonies and subcultivate upon nutrient agar exactly as directed in steps 14, 15 and 16.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique|John William Henry Eyre

The commonest and worst infections are of the streptococcus putridus, a pus staphylococcus, and the bacterium coli communis.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation|Austin O'Malley

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

Medicine 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.

Medicine definitions for streptococcus (2 of 2)

Streptococcus

n.

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.

Science 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.

Culture 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.