Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pathogenic bacterium: Bacillus anthracis is a specific species of rod-shaped bacterium. It is the causative agent of the disease anthrax.
   • A biological agent: The bacterium is noted for its ability to infect various mammals, including humans, livestock (such as cattle, swine, sheep), and smaller animals (like rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs). It is also recognized for its potential use as a biological weapon.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The veterinarian identified the anthrax bacillus as the cause of the sudden cattle deaths.
  • Laboratory confirmation showed the presence of the anthrax bacillus in the tissue sample.
  • Public health officials are concerned about the deliberate release of the anthrax bacillus.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific context: The term is used precisely in microbiology, veterinary medicine, and epidemiology to refer to the etiological agent of anthrax.
  • The study focused on the spore-forming capabilities of the anthrax bacillus.

Variants and Related Words

• Bacillus anthracis: The formal, scientific binomial name for the anthrax bacillus.
• Anthrax: The name of the disease caused by the anthrax bacillus.
• Bacillus: A genus of rod-shaped bacteria; is one species within this genus.

Synonyms

• B. anthracis: The abbreviated scientific name.
• Anthrax bacterium: A more general descriptive term.

Notes

• The term "anthrax bacillus" specifically refers to the bacterium itself, not the disease. The disease is called "anthrax."
• It is a non-motile, Gram-positive bacterium known for its highly resilient spore form, which allows it to survive in the environment for long periods.

Noun

1. a species of bacillus that causes anthrax in humans and in animals (cattle and swine and sheep and rabbits and mice and guinea pigs); can be used a bioweapon