staphylococcus

[ staf-uh-luh-kok-uhs ]

noun

, Bacteriology.

, plural staph·y·lo·coc·ci [staf-, uh, -l, uh, -, kok, -sahy].

1. any of several spherical bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus, occurring in pairs, tetrads, and irregular clusters, certain species of which, as S. aureus, can be pathogenic for humans.

staphylococcus

/ ˌstæfɪləʊˈkɒkəs; ˌstæfɪləʊˈkɒkɪk; ˌstæfɪləʊˈkɒkəl; -ˈkɒksɪk /

noun

1. any spherical Gram-positive bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus , typically occurring in clusters and including many pathogenic species, causing boils, infection in wounds, and septicaemia: family Micrococcaceae Often shortened tostaph

staphylococcus

/ stăf′ə-lō-kŏk′əs /

, Plural staphylococci stăf′ə-lō-kŏk′sī,-kŏk′ī

1. Any of various bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus that are gram-positive cocci and are normally found on the skin and mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. Pathogenic strains such as S. aureus commonly cause infections of the skin, bones, lungs and other organs. Some staphylococcal disease, such as food poisoning, is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria.

staphylococcus

1. A category of bacteria that can cause boils, blood poisoning, and other serious infections .

Derived Forms

• staphylococcal, adjective

Other Words From

• staph·y·lo·coc·cal [staf-, uh, -l, uh, -, kok, -, uh, l], staph·y·lo·coc·cic [staf-, uh, -l, uh, -, kok, -sik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of staphylococcus¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1885–90; staphylo-, coccus

Word History and Origins

Origin of staphylococcus¹

C19: from staphylo- (in the sense: like a bunch of grapes) + coccus so called because of their shape

Example Sentences

Discharges which have continued for some time are practically always contaminated with the staphylococcus.

From Project Gutenberg

The staphylococcus, bacillus of Friedlnder, colon bacillus, and Bacillus pyocyaneus may be met in chronic middle-ear disease.

From Project Gutenberg

The bacterial infection was proved by culture from the eyes and nose, usually yielding the staphylococcus.

From Project Gutenberg

From the softened parts Mr. Somerville Hastings succeeded in obtaining staphylococcus pyogenes aureus in pure culture.

From Project Gutenberg

The administration of staphylococcus vaccine causes only temporary improvement in most instances.

From Project Gutenberg