Aerobacillus

noun

Aero·​ba·​cil·​lus

ˌer-ō-bə-ˈsi-ləs

in some classifications

: a genus of bacteria (family Bacillaceae) including forms usually placed in Bacillus but in some morphological and physiological characters resembling members of Clostridium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from aer- + bacillus

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!