rhizobium

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noun rhi·zo·bi·um \rī-ˈzō-bē-əm\

plural -bia \-bē-ə\

Definition of RHIZOBIUM

:  any of a genus (Rhizobium) of small heterotrophic soil bacteria capable of forming symbiotic nodules on the roots of leguminous plants and of there becoming bacteroids that fix atmospheric nitrogen

— rhi·zo·bi·al \-bē-əl\ adjective

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Origin of RHIZOBIUM

New Latin, from rhiz- + Greek bios life — more at quick

First Known Use: 1921

rhizobium

noun rhi·zo·bi·um \rī-ˈzō-bē-əm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of RHIZOBIUM

1

capitalized :  a genus (family Rhizobiaceae) of small heterotrophic soil bacteria capable of forming symbiotic nodules on the roots of leguminous plants where they fix atmospheric nitrogen

2

plural -bia \-bē-ə\ :  any bacterium of the genus Rhizobium