Definition

Noun: * A type of spherical, Gram-positive bacteria that often grow in irregular clusters. Some strains of these bacteria can cause infections in humans, ranging from minor skin conditions like boils to serious illnesses such as septicemia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The lab test confirmed the presence of staph in the wound culture.
  • A common type of staph is Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Hospitals have strict protocols to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant staph.

Advanced Usage

• "staph infection": This is the most common compound usage, referring specifically to an illness caused by these bacteria.
  • The cut on his leg developed into a painful staph infection.

Variants and Related Words

• Staphylococcus (n): The full, formal scientific name for the genus of bacteria commonly called .
  • The doctor prescribed antibiotics effective against Staphylococcus.
• MRSA (n): An acronym for "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus," a type of that is resistant to several common antibiotics.
  • Controlling MRSA outbreaks is a major concern in healthcare settings.

Synonyms

• Staphylococcus: The formal synonym.
• Bacteria: A general term; is a specific type of bacteria.

Notes on Meaning

• The word is almost exclusively used in medical and biological contexts. It is a shortened, informal form of "staphylococcus." While it refers to the bacteria itself, it is most frequently encountered when discussing the infections they cause (e.g., "a staph infection").

Noun

1. spherical Gram-positive parasitic bacteria that tend to form irregular colonies; some cause boils or septicemia or infections