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Glite Dictionary
spirilla

spirilla

9.9
Bacteria with a long spiral shape that move using thin tails
  • noun
  • /spɪˈrɪlə/
  • Specialized
: espirila
  • Under the microscope, the microbiologist noticed several spirilla moving with their flagella.

Examples

  • Some spirilla are found in stagnant water and are known for their distinctive spiral shapes.

  • The presence of spirilla in a sample can indicate poor water sanitation.

  • The spirilla are known for their unique shape.

  • Many spirilla thrive in aquatic environments.

  • The presence of spirilla in a sample can indicate poor water sanitation.

  • Under the microscope, the microbiologist noticed several spirilla moving with their flagella.

  • Some spirilla are found in stagnant water and are known for their distinctive spiral shapes.

Surface Forms

spirilla plural

Morphology

spirilla = spirillum (transparent) = spirillum + a

A regular plural formation from the singular 'spirillum' to 'spirilla'; if the learner knows the singular, the plural meaning is obvious.

Etymology

The word spirilla comes from the Latin word spira, which means 'coil' or 'twist'. So spirilla are bacteria named for their spiral shape, just like the familiar word spiral, and that helps you remember they are long, twisted bacteria.