streptococcus

American  

[strep-tuh-kok-uhs] / ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk əs /

noun

Bacteriology.

PLURAL

streptococci

1. any of several spherical or oval bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, occurring in pairs or chains, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans, causing scarlet fever, tonsillitis, etc.

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streptococcus British  

/ ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəl, -ˈkɒksɪk, ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəs, ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkɪk /

noun

1. Often shortened to: strep.  any Gram-positive spherical bacterium of the genus Streptococcus, typically occurring in chains and including many pathogenic species, such as S. pyogenes, which causes scarlet fever, sore throat, etc: family Lactobacillaceae

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streptococcus Scientific  

/ strĕp′tə-kŏk′əs /

PLURAL

streptococci

1. Any of various bacteria of the genus Streptococcus that are gram-positive cocci and are normally found on the skin and mucous membranes and in the digestive tract of mammals. One type of streptococcus, Group A, is a common pathogen in humans and causes various infections, including strep throat, scarlet fever, pneumonia, and some types of impetigo.

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streptococcus Cultural  

1. A category of bacteria that can cause various infections in humans, including scarlet fever and strep throat.

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Other Word Forms

• streptococcal adjective
• streptococcic adjective

Etymology

Origin of streptococcus

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; strepto-, coccus

Example Sentences

Sam had been battling a strain of strep called streptococcus milleri, which had developed from a sinus infection.

From Washington Times

Medics initially treated him for a bowel problem but despite showing all the symptoms, failed to spot he was actually suffering from a common infection, group B streptococcus.

From BBC

She was eventually diagnosed with streptococcus A, which led to sepsis.

From Fox News

Some of them are related to allergies, some of them are from colds, and some of them are caused by the streptococcus bacteria.

From Fox News

It can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, or by group A streptococcus bacteria.

From Fox News