bacterium
/bæk'tiəriəm/
Definition
- Noun:
- A microscopic, single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and chlorophyll. Bacteria typically have a cell wall and reproduce by fission. They exist in various shapes (spherical, rod-shaped, spiral) and are ubiquitous in the environment. While some are pathogenic, many are essential for ecological and biochemical processes.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- A single bacterium can multiply rapidly under ideal conditions.
- Scientists are studying a soil bacterium that can break down plastic.
- The bacterium Escherichia coli is commonly found in the intestines.
Advanced Usage
- "To culture a bacterium": To grow and maintain bacteria in a laboratory medium for study.
- The lab technician will culture the bacterium to identify the infection.
- "Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacterium": A classification based on the bacterium's cell wall structure, important in medicine.
- Penicillin is often effective against Gram-positive bacteria.
Variants and Related Words
- Bacteria (n, plural): The common plural form of "bacterium."
- These bacteria are beneficial for digestion.
- Bacterial (adj): Relating to or caused by bacteria.
- She is being treated for a bacterial infection.
Synonyms
- Microbe: A general term for a microscopic organism, including bacteria.
- Germ: An informal term, often for a pathogenic microorganism.
Related Phrases
- Antibiotic-resistant bacterium: A bacterium that has evolved to survive treatment by antibiotics.
- The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major health concern.
Noun
-
(microbiology) single-celled or noncellular spherical or spiral or rod-shaped organisms lacking chlorophyll that reproduce by fission; important as pathogens and for biochemical properties; taxonomy is difficult; often considered to be plants
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