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tubercle bacillus

noun

Definition of tubercle bacillus 

: a bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that is a major cause of tuberculosis

First Known Use of tubercle bacillus

1882, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of tubercle bacillus was in 1882

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More Definitions for tubercle bacillus

tubercle bacillus

noun

Medical Definition of tubercle bacillus 

: a bacterium of the genus Mycobacterium (M. tuberculosis) that causes tuberculosis in humans also : a related mycobacterium (M. bovis) that causes tuberculosis in cattle and sometimes humans especially in underdeveloped countries

More from Merriam-Webster on tubercle bacillus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tubercle bacillus

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