streptococcus

[strep-tuh-kok-uh s] /ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk əs/
noun, plural streptococci
[strep-tuh-kok-sahy, -see] /ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk saɪ, -si/ (Show IPA). Bacteriology
1.
any of several spherical or oval bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, occurring in pairs or chains, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans, causing scarlet fever, tonsillitis, etc.
Origin
1875-80; < Neo-Latin; see strepto-, coccus
Related forms
streptococcal
[strep-tuh-kok-uh l] /ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk əl/ (Show IPA), streptococcic
[strep-tuh-kok-sik] /ˌstrɛp təˈkɒk sɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective
Examples from the web for streptococcus
  • Lymphadenitis may occur after skin infections or other infections caused by bacteria such as streptococcus or staphylococcus.
British Dictionary definitions for streptococcus

streptococcus

/ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəs/
noun (pl) -cocci (-ˈkɒkaɪ; US) (-ˈkɒksaɪ)
1.
any Gram-positive spherical bacterium of the genus Streptococcus, typically occurring in chains and including many pathogenic species, such as S. pyogenes, which causes scarlet fever, sore throat, etc: family Lactobacillaceae Often shortened to strep
Derived Forms
streptococcal (ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkəl), (rare) streptococcic (ˌstrɛptəʊˈkɒkɪk; US) (-ˈkɒksɪk) adjective
Word Origin and History for streptococcus
n.

bacteria genus, 1877, Modern Latin, coined by Viennese surgeon Albert Theodor Billroth (1829-1894) from Greek streptos "twisted" + Modern Latin coccus "spherical bacterium," from Greek kokkos "berry" (see cocco-). So called because the bacteria usually form chains.

streptococcus in Medicine

streptococcus strep·to·coc·cus (strěp'tə-kŏk'əs)
n. pl. strep·to·coc·ci (-kŏk'sī, -kŏk'ī)
A bacterium of the genus Streptococcus.

strep'to·coc'cal or strep'to·coc'cic adj.

Streptococcus n.
A genus of gram-positive, anaerobic, often pathogenic bacteria having an ovoid or spherical appearance and occurring in pairs or chains, including many erythrocytolytic and pathogenic species that cause erysipelas, scarlet fever, and septic sore throat in humans.

streptococcus in Science
streptococcus
  (strěp'tə-kŏk'əs)   
Plural streptococci (strěp'tə-kŏk'sī, -kŏk'ī)
Any of various bacteria of the genus Streptococcus that are gram-positive cocci and are normally found on the skin and mucous membranes and in the digestive tract of mammals. One type of streptococcus, Group A, is a common pathogen in humans and causes various infections, including strep throat, scarlet fever, pneumonia, and some types of impetigo.
streptococcus in Culture
streptococcus [(strep-tuh-kok-uhs)]

A category of bacteria that can cause various infections in humans, including scarlet fever and strep throat.