Bacterium

/bækˈtɪəriəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A singular form of bacteria; a microscopic single-celled organism that can exist either independently or as a parasite.

The bacterium responsible for the infection was identified as Staphylococcus aureus.

A unicellular microorganism that can be found in various environments, known to play critical roles in ecosystems and human health.

The soil bacterium helped in the decomposition of organic matter.

An organism classified as a prokaryote, which lacks a membrane-bound nucleus.

Scientists studied the bacterium to understand its resistance to antibiotics.

Any of a large group of bacteria, some of which can cause diseases in animals and humans.

The child was diagnosed with an illness caused by a pathogenic bacterium.

A single bacterium cell, often used in scientific research and microbiology.

They observed the behavior of a single bacterium under the microscope.

From New Latin, derived from the Greek 'bakterion', diminutive of 'bakteros' meaning 'staff' or 'rod'.

bad bacterium

A harmful or disease-causing bacterium.

beneficial bacteria

Bacteria that are advantageous to health or the environment.

bacterium culture

A method to grow bacteria in a controlled environment for study.

bacteriology

The study of bacteria, especially in relation to medicine and agriculture.

antibacterial

Substance that kills bacteria or inhibits their growth.

bacteriophage

A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.

Bug

That bug caused all the trouble in the lab!

Germ

Washing your hands can help you avoid those pesky germs!