spirochete
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of long, slender, spiral-shaped bacterium: A spirochete is a bacterium characterized by its distinctive corkscrew or helical shape and its unique mode of locomotion using internal, axial filaments. 2. A parasitic or free-living microorganism: Spirochetes can live independently or as parasites. Many species are pathogenic, meaning they can cause diseases in humans and other animals.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Under the microscope, the spirochete was visible due to its tight spiral form.
- Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete transmitted through tick bites.
- The scientist studied the motility of the spirochete in the liquid medium.
Advanced Usage
- Taxonomic Context: The term "spirochete" often refers to any bacterium belonging to the phylum . This is a formal, scientific usage.
- Treponema pallidum, the spirochete that causes syphilis, is difficult to culture in a laboratory.
Variants and Related Words
- Spirochaete: An alternative, chiefly British English spelling of "spirochete."
- Spirochetal (adj): Relating to or caused by spirochetes.
- The patient was diagnosed with a spirochetal infection.
Synonyms
- Spirochaete (n): The direct synonym, differing only in spelling.
- Helical bacterium (n): A descriptive term referencing its shape.
Related Terms (Not Synonyms)
- Treponema (n): A genus of spirochetes, including the causative agent of syphilis.
- Borrelia (n): A genus of spirochetes, including the causative agent of Lyme disease.
- Leptospira (n): A genus of spirochetes, some of which cause leptospirosis.
Noun
-
parasitic or free-living bacteria; many pathogenic to humans and other animals
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