genus leptospira
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Definition
Noun: A taxonomic genus of bacteria. It comprises very slender, aerobic, spiral-shaped bacteria (spirochetes) that can exist as free-living organisms or as parasites in mammals.
Usage
This term is used in scientific contexts, specifically in microbiology, taxonomy, and medicine. * Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. * The microbiologist identified the spirochete as belonging to the genus Leptospira.
Advanced Usage
- The genus name is always capitalized and italicized in formal scientific writing: Leptospira.
- It is often used in a taxonomic hierarchy: "The family Leptospiraceae contains the genus Leptospira."
Variants and Related Words
- Leptospira (n): The singular form, referring to a member or species of this genus. (e.g., )
- Leptospiral (adj): Of or relating to this genus. (e.g., )
- Leptospirosis (n): The disease caused by infection with bacteria from this genus.
Synonyms
- There are no direct common-language synonyms for this scientific taxonomic term.
Related Phrases
- Pathogenic Leptospira: Refers to species within the genus that cause disease.
- Saprophytic Leptospira: Refers to free-living, non-parasitic species within the genus.
Noun
- very slender aerobic spirochetes; free-living or parasitic in mammals