streptobacillus

noun

strep·​to·​ba·​cil·​lus ˌstrep-tō-bə-ˈsi-ləs How to pronounce streptobacillus (audio)
: any of a genus (Streptobacillus) of nonmotile gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria in which the individual cells are often joined in a chain
especially : one (S. moniliformis) that is the causative agent of one form of rat-bite fever

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of streptobacillus was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near streptobacillus

Cite this Entry

“Streptobacillus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streptobacillus. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

streptobacillus

noun
strep·​to·​ba·​cil·​lus -bə-ˈsil-əs How to pronounce streptobacillus (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of facultatively anaerobic gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria (family Fusobacteriaceae) in which the individual cells are often joined in a chain
2
plural streptobacilli -ˌlī How to pronounce streptobacillus (audio) : any bacterium of the genus Streptobacillus
especially : one (as S. moniliformis) that is the causative agent of one form of rat-bite fever
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