Definition

Noun: A taxonomic category in biological classification, specifically a genus of bacteria. This genus comprises small, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that are aerobic (requiring oxygen) and motile (capable of movement). It belongs to the family Corynebacteriaceae.

Usage

The term "genus Listeria" is used in scientific and medical contexts to refer to this specific group of bacteria taxonomically. * Listeria monocytogenes is the most well-known species within the genus Listeria. * Research into the pathogenicity of the genus Listeria is ongoing.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: The name is always formatted with "Listeria" capitalized and often italicized in scientific writing: . When used with "genus," it is not italicized.
  • The paper discussed the evolution of the genus Listeria.

Variants and Related Words

• Listeria (n): The common shorthand name for the genus, often used to refer to the bacteria collectively, especially in public health contexts.
  • The food product was recalled due to possible Listeria contamination.
• Listerial (adj): Pertaining to bacteria of the genus .
  • Listerial infection can be serious for pregnant women.
• Listeriosis (n): The infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus , primarily .
  • Symptoms of listeriosis include fever and muscle aches.

Synonyms

• There are no direct common-language synonyms for this precise taxonomic term. In informal medical or public health contexts, "Listeria" is used synonymously with "genus Listeria."

Related Phrases

• Listeria spp.: An abbreviation for "Listeria species," used to denote multiple or unspecified species within the genus.
  • The test detected the presence of Listeria spp. in the sample.

Noun

1. a genus of aerobic motile bacteria of the family Corynebacteriaceae containing small Gram-positive rods