cereus

noun

ce·​re·​us ˈsir-ē-əs How to pronounce cereus (audio)
plural cereus also cereuses
: any of various cacti (as of the genus Cereus) of the western U.S. and tropical America

Examples of cereus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web People using the medicine in the recall risk developing a Bacillus cereus infection. Chris Smith, BGR, 9 June 2022 These researchers studied two species: Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Chelsea Gohd, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2019 However, rice isn't the only food that Bacillus cereus or other bacteria can grow in. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2022 The problem is that uncooked rice can have spores of Bacillus cereus, which is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2022 Testing revealed that the medicine could also contain high levels of yeast and mold in addition to Bacillus cereus, according to the FDA. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 13 June 2022 Samples of the allergy remedy were tested and traces of Bacillus cereus were found. Chris Smith, BGR, 9 June 2022 Allergy Bee Gone for Kids tested positive for traces of Bacillus cereus, which can lead to life-threatening illnesses in some people. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 13 June 2022 Furthermore, the samples also tested positive for the Bacillus cereus bacteria. Chris Smith, BGR, 9 June 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cereus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, wax candle, from cera wax — more at cerumen

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cereus was in 1731

Dictionary Entries Near cereus

Cite this Entry

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

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