klebsiella

noun

kleb·​si·​el·​la ˌkleb-zē-ˈe-lə How to pronounce klebsiella (audio)
: any of a genus (Klebsiella) of nonmotile enterobacteria that includes causative agents of respiratory and urogenital infections

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Edwin Klebs †1913 German pathologist

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of klebsiella was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near klebsiella

Cite this Entry

“Klebsiella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/klebsiella. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

klebsiella

noun
kleb·​si·​el·​la ˌkleb-zē-ˈel-ə How to pronounce klebsiella (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of nonmotile gram-negative rod-shaped and frequently encapsulated bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae that include causative agents of respiratory and urinary infections see donovan body, pneumobacillus
2
: any bacterium of the genus Klebsiella

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