strep

American  

[strep] / strɛp /

noun

1. streptococcus.

---

adjective

1. streptococcal.

strep British  

/ strɛp /

noun

1. informal short for streptococcus

---

Etymology

Origin of strep

First recorded in 1930–35; by shortening

Explanation

Strep is a bacterium that can make you sick. If your throat is really sore and you're feeling feverish, you just might have strep throat — a condition caused by the strep bacterium. Strep is short for streptococcus, and because it's a bacterium, it can usually be treated with antibiotics. As a noun, the word refers to the microorganism itself, and when strep is an adjective, it describes conditions that are caused by the bacteria, like strep throat or strep pneumonia. An Austrian doctor coined the word streptococcus in the 1870s, from strepto-, "twisted" in Latin, and cocco-, "seed."

Example Sentences

But in a pregnant patient, abdominal pain and vomiting should not be quickly attributed to strep, physicians told ProPublica; a doctor should have also evaluated her pregnancy.

From Salon • Nov. 1, 2024

Hawkins noted that Crain had strep and a urinary tract infection, wrote up a prescription and discharged her.

From Salon • Nov. 1, 2024

The British rock icon Rod Stewart canceled the planned 200th show of his long-running Las Vegas residency, citing strep throat.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

Demand for the common antibiotic, which is used for respiratory infections, strep throat and ear infections, spiked amid fears of a “triple-demic” last year, leading to shortages.

From Washington Times • Dec. 26, 2023

And if he does, strep can’t be what kills him.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover