streptococcus

noun

strep·to·coc·cus ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-kəs

plural streptococci ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-ˌkī

-(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 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 Complications from a progression of the same infection, caused by the Group A streptococcus bacterium, have been responsible for 15 deaths of children this year. —

Cassie Werber, Quartz, 15 Dec. 2022 The body’s natural response to a bacterial infection is to create antibodies to fight it; in the case of this particular streptococcus, the antibody to the M protein also works against the body’s own heart proteins. —

Anna Reisman, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2011 Group B streptococcus can cause serious medical complications in people of all ages, but especially newborns, the CDC reports. —

Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2022 See More

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

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near streptococcus

streptococcicidal

streptococcus

streptokinase

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Streptococcus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streptococcus. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

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Kids Definition

streptococcus

noun

strep·to·coc·cus ˌstrep-tə-ˈkäk-əs

plural streptococci -ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī

-(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

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

plural streptococci -ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī

: any bacterium of the genus Streptococcus

broadly : a coccus occurring in chains