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Streptococcus - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Streptococcus is a type of spherical bacteria that grows in chains. Some species can cause infections like strep throat, while others are harmless or beneficial to humans.

streptococcus

/ˌstrɛptəˈkɑkəs/ /ˌstrɛptəˈkɒkəs/

Definition:

A genus of spherical bacteria that grow in chains and cause various infections.

Synonyms:

strep, streptococcal bacteria, cocci

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(No direct antonyms; context-dependent) beneficial bacteria, probiotics

Common Collocations:

streptococcus infection, streptococcus bacteria, streptococcus pyogenes, group A streptococcus

Derivatives:

streptococcal, streptococcic

Usage Tips:

Use "streptococcus" when referring to the bacterial genus; "strep" is informal for infections like strep throat.

Common Phrases:

strep throat, group A strep, invasive streptococcus

Etymology:

From Greek "streptos" (twisted) + "kokkos" (berry), describing its chain-like formation under a microscope.

Examples:

  • 1. The lab identified streptococcus in the patient's throat culture.
  • 2. Streptococcus can cause infections like pneumonia and scarlet fever.
  • 3. She was prescribed antibiotics for her streptococcus infection.
  • 4. Not all strains of streptococcus are harmful to humans.

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