gram-positive

adjective

gram-pos·​i·​tive ˈgram-ˈpä-zə-tiv 

-ˈpäz-tiv

: holding the purple dye when stained by Gram's stain

—used chiefly of bacteria

Examples of gram-positive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, fish liver oil has proved to be an effective antibacterial agent against gram-positive bacteria.11 There may be emerging uses for cod liver oil extract in antibacterial topical ointments. —Hannah Coakley, Msph, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 July 2024

Bacteria populations in the average human gut are roughly split between gram-negative and gram-positive types, said Kristen Munoz, a former doctoral student at the University of Illinois who co-led the study. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 20 June 2024

Penicillin is available by prescription and can treat gram-positive bacteria that cause illnesses such as strep throat, tetanus, and tonsillitis. —Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 16 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gram-positive

• dispositive
• causative
• positive
• electropositive
• seropositive

Medical Definition

gram-positive

adjective

gram-pos·​i·​tive ˈgram-ˈpäz-ət-iv, -ˈpäz-tiv 

: holding the purple dye when stained by Gram's stain

—used chiefly of bacteria