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Glite Dictionary
Streptococcus

Streptococcus

1 5.1
A group of round bacteria that often form chains and cause infections like strep throat
  • noun
  • /ˌstrɛp.təˈkɑ.kəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Estreptococo
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, causes an estimated 4 million illnesses in the United States annually (1).
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Streptococcus viridans

Examples

  • Meningitis is also caused by viruses and other bacteria, notably Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) and the pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae).

    Academic text (2011)

  • No patient had either Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to antimicrobial drugs is also a concern.

    Academic text (2014)

  • In rhinosinusitis cases known to be caused by bacterial pathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common isolate.

    Academic text (2006)

  • The three most common causative bacteria are H. influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis.

    Academic text (2006)

  • The microorganisms most frequently found are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Our aim was to investigate if there is an association between group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infection and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

    Academic text (2007)

  • Non-motile bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, are identified by their microscopic appearance in stained samples of plasma precipitate.

    Academic text (2017)

  • Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and Escherichia coli, as well as gram-negative organisms and anaerobes in mixed infections.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia in older adults.

Synonyms

strep
vsStreptococcus
  • Specialized
17 4.2

A kind of bacteria that often causes sore throats and other infections

is the formal genus term rather than the informal name
streptococci
vsStreptococcus
  • Specialized
1 8.6

Bacteria that cause illnesses like sore throat or scarlet fever

is the genus name for these bacteria rather than the plural label

Compounds

streptococcus tonsillitis
  • Specialized
6.1

Bacteria called streptococcus infect the tonsils and throat and make them sore

Surface Forms

Streptococcus singular
Streptococci plural

Morphology

Streptococcus = coccus (opaque) = strepto + coccus

The term is composed of Greek combining forms used in scientific nomenclature; these combining forms are not productive or familiar to average learners, so the meaning is not derivable from common English morphemes.

Etymology

Streptococcus comes from two old Greek parts: strepto- meaning 'twisted' and -coccus meaning 'berry'. It describes round bacteria that often join together in twisted chains, and it is the source of the short name 'strep' in 'strep throat'.