streptococcus

noun strep·to·coc·cus \ ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-kəs \

Definition of streptococcus

plural streptococci play \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

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Recent Examples of streptococcus from the Web

Patrice Comey launched a campaign to require doctors and hospitals to test for Group B streptococcus, a bacterial infection that can be treated with penicillin during delivery if detected toward the end of a pregnancy.

— susan page, USA TODAY, "James Comey: Lessons he learned from the tragic loss of his infant son," 16 Apr. 2018
Coley dug deeper and found a few other cases of remission from cancer after a streptococcus infection.

— greg kahn, Smithsonian, "Could Immunotherapy Lead the Way to Fighting Cancer?," 22 Mar. 2018
Studies have shown that solutions of cinnamon oil can kill a number of common bacteria, such as streptococcus and E. coli.

— sandee lamotte, CNN, "Cinnamon: Pantry staple -- and medical powerhouse?," 8 Mar. 2018
Just like the successful immunizations against the bacteria that cause measles, mumps and tetanus, a shot to prevent streptococcus infections could save lives and reduce health care costs.

— kate sheridan, Newsweek, "Strep Vaccine Could Save Lives and Reduce Health Care Costs—So Why Don't We Have One?," 26 Feb. 2018
But in 15 to 30 percent of cases, tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, most often a certain type of streptococcus (a.k.a.

— claire gillespie, SELF, "Gabourey Sidibe Is Getting Her Tonsils Out—Here's What That's Like as an Adult," 18 Jan. 2018
Pinterest Intravenous antibiotics are the first line of treatment against bacteria like group A streptococcus.

— amanda macmillan, PEOPLE.com, "A New Mom Became a Quadruple Amputee From Flesh-Eating Bacteria: How Common Is It?," 25 Oct. 2017
Intravenous antibiotics are the first line of treatment against bacteria like group A streptococcus.

— amanda macmillan, Time, "A New Mom Became a Quadruple Amputee From Flesh-Eating Bacteria. Here's What You Need to Know," 16 Oct. 2017
That day, La Follette’s son, Bob La Follette, Jr., fell ill with a streptococcus infection.

— erick trickey, Smithsonian, "Fake News and Fervent Nationalism Got a Senator Tarred as a Traitor During WWI," 19 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'streptococcus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of streptococcus

New Latin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1877

in the meaning defined above

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STREPTOCOCCUS Defined for English Language Learners

streptococcus

noun

Definition of streptococcus for English Language Learners

medical : a type of bacteria that causes diseases in people and animals

Medical Dictionary

streptococcus

noun strep·to·coc·cus \ -ˈkäk-əs \

medical Definition of streptococcus

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 play \-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī\ : any bacterium of the genus Streptococcus; broadly : a coccus occurring in chains

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Britannica English: Translation of streptococcus for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about streptococcus

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streptococcus

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Origin and Etymology of streptococcus

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streptococcus

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streptococcus

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