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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. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for streptococcus

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

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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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