Group B

noun

: any of various strains of a streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) that include the causative agents of certain infections (such as pneumonia and meningitis) especially of newborn infants
usually used attributively
Group B streptococcal infections

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Group B was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near Group B

Cite this Entry

“Group B.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Group%20B. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

Group B

noun
: the Lancefield group of usually beta-hemolytic streptococci that comprises all strains of a species of the genus Streptococcus (S. agalactiae) and that includes the causative agents of certain infections (as septicemia, pneumonia, and meningitis) especially of newborn infants
usually used attributively
affected with Group B strep
compare group a
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!