Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bacterium causing pneumonia: Diplococcus pneumoniae is a specific type of bacterium known to cause pneumonia in both mice and humans. It is a significant pathogen in respiratory infections.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory study focused on the virulence factors of Diplococcus pneumoniae.
  • Pneumonia in the elderly is often caused by Diplococcus pneumoniae.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Classification: In modern taxonomy, this bacterium is more commonly referred to as . The term is an older, historical name that reflects its observed paired (diplo-) spherical (coccus) shape under a microscope.
  • Although historically called Diplococcus pneumoniae, it is now classified under the genus Streptococcus.

Variants and Related Words

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (n): The current scientific name for the same bacterium.
  • Vaccines are available to protect against infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Synonyms

• Pneumococcus: A common synonym for or .
  • The pneumococcus is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia.

Noun

1. bacterium causing pneumonia in mice and humans