coliform
Americanadjective
noun
Etymology
Origin of coliform
1850–55; < New Latin coli, genitive of Latin colum, colon colon 2 (the specific epithet of various species of bacteria inhabiting the colon, as Escherichia coli; construed as col- + -i- ) + -form
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, testing showed that among the 11 water sources examined, bottled water was the most likely to contain coliform bacteria, which signal fecal contamination.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2026
Despite being widely trusted, bottled water was six times more likely to test positive for coliform bacteria than other water sources.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 23, 2026
County ocean water is analyzed for three types of indicator bacteria: total coliform, enterococcus and E. coli.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2022
Fecal coliform isn’t dangerous itself, but the bacteria’s presence in a body of water is a warning, telling scientists that illness-causing pathogens likely are there too.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 2, 2021
Pick off coliform or typhiform colonies; make streak or smear subcultivations upon nutrient agar; incubate aerobically for twenty-four hours at 37° C. 15.
From The Elements of Bacteriological Technique A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by J. W. H. (John William Henry) Eyre
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