listeria

noun

lis·​te·​ria li-ˈstir-ē-ə How to pronounce listeria (audio)
plural listeria
: any of a genus (Listeria) of small, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that do not form spores and have a tendency to grow in chains and that include one (Listeria monocytogenes) that causes listeriosis
A common germ found in many foods from raw vegetables to hot dogs, listeria can cause a sometimes fatal disease called listeriosis when present in large quantities.Amy Barrett
also : a disease or sickness caused by infection with this bacterium : listeriosis
Listeria symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Sierra Brown

Examples of listeria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Consuming the bacteria can lead to a listeria infection, which causes fever, chills, nausea and diarrhea. USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 At least 26 people in 11 states have been stricken in the ongoing listeria outbreak, with 23 hospitalized. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2024 What company is recalling products due to a possible listeria contamination? John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 12 Feb. 2024 About 1,600 people are sickened by listeria food poisoning every year, according to the CDC. Jonel Aleccia, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2024 Safety concerns:These cheeses sold in Arizona are being recalled for possible listeria contamination Consumers with questions were advised to call Mama Vicky’s Inc. at 818-583-0003 or Trader Joe’s customer relations at 626-599-3817. Kira Caspers, The Arizona Republic, 9 Feb. 2024 Trader Joe’s is recalling a number of food items that contain cotija cheese for potential listeria contamination. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 9 Feb. 2024 Most listeria infections can be treated with antibiotics. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes there may be more cases since listeria infection can be treated without medical care. Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'listeria.' 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, from Listeria, from Joseph Lister

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of listeria was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near listeria

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

listeria

noun
lis·​te·​ria lis-ˈtir-ē-ə How to pronounce listeria (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of small gram-positive flagellated rod-shaped bacteria that do not form spores, are aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, and have a tendency to grow in chains and that include one (L. monocytogenes) causing listeriosis
2
: any bacterium of the genus Listeria

called also listerella

listerial adjective
listeric adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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