streptococcus

noun

strep·​to·​coc·​cus ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-kəs How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
plural streptococci ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-ˌkī How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
-(ˌ)kē;
-ˈkäk-ˌsī,
-(ˌ)sē
: any of a genus (Streptococcus) of spherical or ovoid chiefly nonmotile and parasitic gram-positive bacteria that divide only in one plane, occur in pairs or chains, and include important pathogens of humans and domestic animals
broadly : a coccus occurring in chains

Examples of streptococcus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Life’s challenges Tragedy struck Ransom in December 1937, when his beloved wife Ethel died from a streptococcus infection at a time when antibiotics were not available. Carol Roark, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2024 Certain bacterial infections, like mycoplasma pneumonia and group A streptococcus, can also cause wintertime infirmity. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 7 Dec. 2023 And the German scientist Rudolf Emmerich noted that a streptococcus infection could apparently protect guinea pigs from the cholera bacillus. Mark Caldwell, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Scarlet Fever Scarlet fever is caused by a toxin produced by group A streptococcus (the bacteria that causes a strep throat infection) and presents as a rash on the face or neck, and spreads to the chest, torso, arms, and legs, says Dr. Jacobs. Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 8 Sep. 2023 The rule also would carry out another part of the law that allows certain pharmacists to test and treat patients for influenza, streptococcus, lice, skin conditions and minor, uncomplicated infections so long as the pharmacists have written protocol agreements with physicians. Christine Sexton, sun-sentinel.com, 26 Aug. 2020 Group A streptococcus, which causes strep throat, can also sometimes produce a toxin that causes a rash — red skin with a rough feel to the touch. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2022 Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus, or strep A, according to the CDC. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2022 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of an increase in severe infections involving the Group A streptococcus bacteria, also known as Strep A, among children. Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 23 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'streptococcus.' 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

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of streptococcus was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near streptococcus

Cite this Entry

“Streptococcus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streptococcus. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

streptococcus

noun
strep·​to·​coc·​cus ˌstrep-tə-ˈkäk-əs How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
plural streptococci -ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
-(ˌ)(s)ē
: any of various mostly parasitic round bacteria that occur in pairs or chains and include some that cause diseases in human beings and animals

Medical Definition

streptococcus

noun
strep·​to·​coc·​cus -ˈkäk-əs How to pronounce streptococcus (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of spherical or ovoid chiefly nonmotile and parasitic gram-positive bacteria (family Streptococcaceae) that divide only in one plane, occur in pairs or chains, and include important pathogens of humans and domestic animals
2
plural streptococci -ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī How to pronounce streptococcus (audio) : any bacterium of the genus Streptococcus
broadly : a coccus occurring in chains

More from Merriam-Webster on streptococcus

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