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

/ ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkɪk; ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəl; -ˈkɒksɪk; ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəs /

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

Turns out, there are specific strains of bacteria — streptococcus mutans, in particular — that are more common in mouths with cavities.

From FiveThirtyEight

By far the most frequent exciting causes of acute otitis media are the pneumococcus and the streptococcus.

From Project Gutenberg

The least trace of Gomenol prevents the growth in vitro of the streptococcus, the tuberculous bacillus and the gonococcus.

From Project Gutenberg

Erysipelas is a much-dreaded disease which is the result of infection with the blood-poisoning germ—streptococcus.

From Project Gutenberg

Cultivations from the liver gave a pure growth of what appeared to be a typical (non-capsulated) Streptococcus pyogenes longus.

From Project Gutenberg

If the resulting growth resembles that of the streptococcus, make subcultivations upon nutrient agar.

From Project Gutenberg