spirillum

[ spahy-ril-uhm ]

noun

, Bacteriology.

, plural spi·ril·la [spahy-, ril, -, uh].

1. any of several spirally twisted, aerobic bacteria of the genus Spirillum, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans.
2. any of various similar microorganisms.

spirillum

/ spaɪˈrɪləm /

noun

1. See bacillus, coccus
   any bacterium having a curved or spirally twisted rodlike body Compare coccus bacillus
2. any bacterium of the genus Spirillum, such as S. minus, which causes ratbite fever

spirillum

/ spī-rĭl′əm /

, Plural spirilla

1. Any of various bacteria that are shaped like a spiral, such as the spirochete Treponema pallidum , which causes syphilis.

Derived Forms

• spiˈrillar, adjective

Other Words From

• spi·rillar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirillum¹

1870–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin spīr ( a ) ( spire ² ) + -illum diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirillum¹

C19: from New Latin, literally: a little coil, from spīra a coil

Example Sentences

The spirillum of relapsing fever can be identified by the method for the malarial parasite in fresh blood.

From Project Gutenberg

It is probably caused by two micro-organisms living in symbiosis—one a fusiform bacillus, the other a long spirillum (Fig. 124).

From Project Gutenberg

Vibrio spirillum is excessively minute, colourless, and found in decomposing vegetable mixtures.

From Project Gutenberg

Spirillum, spī-ril′um, n. a genus of bacteria with cylindrical spirally twisted cells:—pl.

From Project Gutenberg

For the tick that carries the spirillum is blind and cannot climb any smooth surface.

From Project Gutenberg