bacillus

ba·cil·lus

noun \bə-ˈsi-ləs\

plural ba·cil·li\-ˌlī also -lē\

Definition of BACILLUS

1

: any of a genus (Bacillus) of rod-shaped gram-positive usually aerobic bacteria producing endospores and including many saprophytes and some parasites (as B. anthracis of anthrax); broadly : a straight rod-shaped bacterium

2

: bacterium; especially : a disease-producing bacterium

Origin of BACILLUS

New Latin, from Medieval Latin, small staff, rod, diminutive of Latin baculus staff, alteration of baculum

First Known Use: circa 1879

Rhymes with BACILLUS

lapillus

ba·cil·lus

noun \bə-ˈsil-əs\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; ba·cil·li \-ˌī also -ē\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of BACILLUS

1

a capitalized : a genus of rod-shaped gram-positive endospore-producing usually aerobic bacteria of the family Bacillaceae that include many saprophytes and some parasites (as B. anthracis of anthrax) b : any bacterium of the genus Bacillus; broadly : a straight rod-shaped bacterium

2

: bacterium; especially : a disease-producing bacterium

bacillus

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of the rod-shaped, gram-positive bacteria (see gram stain) that make up the genus Bacillus, widely found in soil and water. The term is sometimes applied to all rodlike bacteria. Bacilli frequently occur in chains and can form spores under unfavourable environmental conditions. Resistant to heat, chemicals, and sunlight, these spores may remain capable of growing and developing for long periods of time. One type sometimes causes spoilage in canned foods. Another, widespread bacillus contaminates laboratory cultures and is often found on human skin. Most strains do not cause disease in humans, infecting them only incidentally in their role as soil organisms; a notable exception is B. anthracis, which causes anthrax. Some bacilli produce antibiotics.