Definition

Noun: - A taxonomic family of pleomorphic, Gram-negative, nonmotile microorganisms: This family includes organisms that are similar to both viruses and bacteria and are parasitic in mammals. They are notable for their lack of a rigid cell wall.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in scientific, microbiological, and veterinary contexts to classify a specific group of parasitic microorganisms.
• It functions as a singular, collective noun referring to the entire taxonomic family.

Examples

• family Mycoplasmataceae.
• family Mycoplasmataceae
• family Mycoplasmataceae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The name is always italicized in scientific writing. The family name is often used in discussions of bacterial phylogeny, antibiotic resistance (as they are naturally resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics), and host-pathogen interactions.
  • The phylogenetic analysis placed the new isolate firmly within the family Mycoplasmataceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Mycoplasmataceae: The same term, often used without "family" when the taxonomic rank is clear from context.
• Mycoplasma (noun): The type genus of this family. A member of this genus.
  • Several species of Mycoplasma are significant human pathogens.
• Mycoplasmal (adjective): Of or pertaining to mycoplasmas.
  • The patient was treated for a mycoplasmal infection.

Synonyms

• Mollicutes: While not a perfect synonym, this is the name of the entire class to which the family Mycoplasmataceae belongs. It is a broader taxonomic category.
  • The family Mycoplasmataceae is a member of the class Mollicutes.

Notes on Meaning

This term has a single, precise meaning in biological taxonomy. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its usage is strictly technical and scientific.

Noun

1. pleomorphic Gram-negative nonmotile microorganism similar to both viruses and bacteria; parasitic in mammals