Enteric Bacteria
Definition:
"Enteric bacteria" refers to a group of bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. These bacteria can be either beneficial (helpful) or pathogenic (harmful). They are usually rod-shaped and are classified as gram-negative, which is a term used in microbiology to describe their cell wall structure.
Usage Instructions:
When using the term "enteric bacteria," you can refer to both types: those that are normal inhabitants of the gut and those that can cause diseases. It’s often used in discussions about health, microbiology, or food safety.
Example Sentences: 1. "Certain enteric bacteria, like Escherichia coli, are important for digestion." 2. "Food poisoning can be caused by pathogenic enteric bacteria present in contaminated food."
Advanced Usage:
In scientific discussions, you might encounter terms like "enteric infections" or "enteric diseases," which refer to illnesses caused by pathogenic enteric bacteria.
Word Variants:
- Enteric (adjective): Related to the intestines. For example, "enteric diseases" refer to diseases affecting the intestines. - Bacterium (singular): The single form of bacteria. For example, "A bacterium can be beneficial or harmful."
Different Meanings:
While "enteric bacteria" specifically refers to intestinal bacteria, "enteric" can also be used more generally to describe anything related to the intestines in medical terminology.
Synonyms:
- Gut bacteria - Intestinal bacteria
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "enteric bacteria," but you might encounter phrases like "in good gut health," which emphasizes the importance of healthy bacteria in the intestines.
Conclusion:
Understanding "enteric bacteria" is important for discussions about health, digestion, and food safety.