cocci

/'kɔkəs/

Thân thiện

A scientist examines cocci under a microscope.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Any spherical or nearly spherical bacteria: "Cocci" refers to a type of bacterium characterized by its round, spherical, or oval shape. This is a plural noun; the singular form is "coccus."

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Under the microscope, the sample revealed numerous cocci arranged in clusters.
  • Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are common genera of cocci that can cause infections in humans.

Advanced Usage

• "Gram-positive cocci": A classification of spherical bacteria that retain a violet stain in the Gram staining method, used for identification.
  • The lab report identified the pathogen as Gram-positive cocci.
• "Arrangement of cocci": Describes how the spherical cells group together (e.g., in pairs, chains, or clusters).
  • The arrangement of cocci in chains is typical of the Streptococcus genus.

Variants and Related Words

• Coccus (n, singular): The singular form of "cocci," referring to one spherical bacterium.
  • A single coccus was observed.
• Coccal (adj): Relating to or resembling cocci.
  • The infection had a coccal origin.
• Diplococcus (n): A pair of cocci.
• Streptococcus (n): A genus of cocci that form chains.
• Staphylococcus (n): A genus of cocci that form irregular clusters.

Synonyms

• Spherical bacteria: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the shape.
• Round bacteria: A simpler, more general term.

Related Phrases

• "Cocci in clusters": Often specifically refers to staphylococci.
  • The wound culture showed cocci in clusters, suggesting a staphylococcal infection.
• "Cocci in chains": Often specifically refers to streptococci.
  • The throat swab revealed cocci in chains, indicative of strep throat.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any spherical or nearly spherical bacteria

Từ đồng nghĩa

• coccus