streptococcus

[ strep-tuh-kok-uhs ]

noun

, Bacteriology.

, plural strep·to·coc·ci [strep-t, uh, -, kok, -sahy, -see].

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.

streptococcus

/ ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəl; -ˈkɒksɪk; ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəs; ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkɪk /

noun

1. 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 Often shortened tostrep

streptococcus

/ strĕp′tə-kŏk′əs /

, Plural streptococci strĕp′tə-kŏk′sī,-kŏk′ī

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.

streptococcus

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

Derived Forms

• streptococcal, adjective

Other Words From

• strep·to·coc·cal [strep-t, uh, -, kok, -, uh, l], strep·to·coc·cic [strep-t, uh, -, kok, -sik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of streptococcus¹

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

Example Sentences

And she decides that the bacteria she’s going to target with her vaccine is hemolytic streptococcus, which had been showing up again and again in flu patients.

From Scientific American

"High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported."

From BBC

As this year draws to a close, Group A streptococcus has replaced Omicron in the headlines and although the number of cases has started to fall slightly, parents everywhere remain vigilant.

From BBC

Some U.S. hospitals and European health authorities also report out-of-season increases in scarlet fever and Group A streptococcus infections.

From Washington Post

Deliveries of antibiotics for the treatment of group A streptococcus infection are being sped up to reach wholesalers and pharmacies across Northern Ireland in the coming days.

From BBC