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Glite Dictionary
streptococcus

streptococcus

7.0
A type of round bacteria that can cause strep throat and other throat infections
  • noun
  • /ˌstrɛp.təˈkɑ.kəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estreptococo
  • Some strains of streptococcus are responsible for causing strep throat in children.
  • Streptococcus group A

Examples

  • The laboratory test identified the presence of streptococcus in the sample.

  • Doctors treated the infection caused by streptococcus with antibiotics.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with a streptococcus infection.

  • Many streptococci are known to cause throat infections.

  • Some strains of streptococcus can lead to serious illnesses like scarlet fever.

  • Doctors treated the infection caused by streptococcus with antibiotics.

  • The laboratory test confirmed the presence of streptococcus in the throat culture.

Synonyms

strep
vsstreptococcus
  • Specialized
17 4.2

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

is the formal scientific genus name used in technical contexts
streptococci
vsstreptococcus
  • Specialized
1 8.6

Bacteria that cause illnesses like sore throat or scarlet fever

is the singular genus term rather than the plural name

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

Both elements are technical Greek combining forms used in microbiology and are unlikely to be known or yield meaning for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Streptococcus comes from Greek parts strepto- meaning 'twisted' and -coccus meaning 'berry'. That gives a simple image: these bacteria are round like small 'berries' that join in a twisted chain, so the name streptococcus tells you about their round shape and how they form chains and can cause infections.