mycoplasma

[ mahy-koh-plaz-muh ]

noun

1. any of numerous parasitic microorganisms of the class Mollicutes, comprising the smallest self-reproducing prokaryotes, lacking a true cell wall and able to survive without oxygen: a common cause of pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

mycoplasma

/ ˌmaɪkəʊˈplæzmə /

noun

1. any prokaryotic microorganism of the genus Mycoplasma, some species of which cause disease ( mycoplasmosis ) in animals and humans

mycoplasma

/ mī′kō-plăz′mə /

1. Any of a phylum of extremely small, parasitic bacteria that have a flexible cell membrane instead of a rigid cell wall, can assume a variety of shapes, are usually nonmotile, and are capable of forming colonies. Too small to be seen with a light microscope, mycoplasmas are thought to be the smallest organisms capable of independent growth. They are often pathogenic or parasitic in mammals and cause a number of important plant diseases, notably among citrus fruits. Mycoplasmas of the genus Mycoplasma are dependent upon sterols such as cholesterol for growth and cause several types of pneumonia in humans and animals.
2. See also phytoplasma

Word History and Origins

Origin of mycoplasma¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1950–55; myco-, plasma

Example Sentences

Other areas of the world noting reports of mycoplasma or a rise in pneumonia affecting children include Denmark and the Netherlands, Chin-Hong said.

From Los Angeles Times

Officials said doctors should consider swabbing for respiratory viruses, mycoplasma and pertussis when patients come in with common symptoms such as cough, fever or fatigue.

From Washington Times

The State Council, China's cabinet, said on Friday that influenza would peak this winter and spring, while mycoplasma pneumoniae infection would remain high in some areas.

From Reuters

The State Council said influenza would peak this winter and spring and mycoplasma pneumoniae infection would continue to be high in some areas in future.

From Reuters

The speaker said that global monitoring for mycoplasma pneumoniae had been at a low over the past three years and outbreaks were cyclical, occurring every three to seven years.

From Reuters