Aerobacter

9.9

An old scientific name for bacteria that need oxygen and live in soil and water

noun
/ˌɛəroʊˈbæktər/

Archaic

: aerobacter

Aerobacter species are commonly found in soil and aquatic environments.

Examples

Scientists no longer frequently use the term Aerobacter because most of its species have been reclassified.
The classification of Aerobacter has changed over time as bacterial taxonomy evolved.
Aerobacter species were once considered common soil and water bacteria.
The Aerobacter genus includes several species of bacteria.
Many scientists study Aerobacter for its role in the environment.
Researchers are investigating how Aerobacter affects nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
Aerobacter was historically recognized for its presence in various natural habitats.

Synonyms

genus Aerobacter

vsAerobacter

Archaic

9.9

A group of bacteria that use oxygen and are now placed in other groups

has the same meaning but names the genus without the extra wording

Compounds

Aerobacter aerogenes

Specialized

9.9

A type of bacteria that needs oxygen and makes gas and acid from sugar, sometimes causing milk to go sour

genus Aerobacter

Archaic

9.9

A group of bacteria that use oxygen and are now placed in other groups

Surface Forms

Aerobacter singular

Aerobacters plural

Morphology

Aerobacter = bacterium (transparent) = aero + bacter

The name is transparently built from the combining form 'aero-' (air/oxygen) + a bacterial stem, so a learner who knows 'aero-' and 'bacterium' can infer it refers to air/oxygen-associated bacteria.

Etymology

Aerobacter comes from Greek parts aero- meaning 'air' (as in aeroplane) and -bacter meaning 'bacterium' or 'rod' (as in bacteria). So, Aerobacter literally means 'air bacteria', bacteria that live with or need oxygen.