clostridium

Thân thiện

A scientist observes a clostridium under a microscope.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of anaerobic bacterium: "Clostridium" refers to a genus of rod-shaped, spore-forming bacteria that typically thrive in environments without oxygen.
   • Characteristic cell shape: The bacterial cell is often described as spindle-shaped, with a swollen center when an endospore (a dormant, resistant structure) forms inside it.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Clostridium botulinum is the bacterium that causes botulism.
  • The wound became infected with a species of clostridium.
  • Clostridium bacteria are commonly found in soil and the intestinal tracts of animals.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific classification: The term is used in taxonomy to refer to a specific genus within the family Clostridiaceae.
  • The genus Clostridium includes both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species.
• Medical and environmental context: Often discussed in relation to disease, decomposition, or industrial processes.
  • Clostridium difficile infections are a major concern in healthcare settings.

Variants and Related Words

• Clostridial (adj): Pertaining to or caused by clostridium bacteria.
  • Clostridial myonecrosis is a severe muscle infection.
• Clostridia (n, plural): A common plural form for multiple bacteria of this genus.
  • The sample contained various clostridia.

Synonyms

• Anaerobic bacillus: A general term for rod-shaped bacteria that live without oxygen, which includes clostridia.
• Spore-forming bacterium: Describes bacteria that produce endospores, a key feature of the genus.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Clostridium perfringens: A specific species causing gas gangrene and food poisoning.
• Clostridium tetani: The causative agent of tetanus.
• Clostridial toxin: A poisonous substance produced by clostridium bacteria.

Học thuật

Noun

1. spindle-shaped bacterial cell especially one swollen at the center by an endospore

Từ đồng nghĩa

• clostridia