Robert Koch

1 6.4

A German scientist who found the germs that cause tuberculosis and cholera

proper noun
/ˈroʊbərt kɔk/

: Robert Koch

Did you know that Robert Koch discovered the causes of tuberculosis?

Examples

The isolation of the tuberculosis bacillus by Robert Koch was a turning point in medical science.
Many awards in microbiology are named after Robert Koch to honor his contributions.
Robert Koch made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of bacteriology.
The famous bacteriologist Robert Koch made significant contributions to microbiology.
Robert Koch is celebrated for his pioneering work in identifying the bacteria that cause anthrax.
Many awards in microbiology are named after Robert Koch to honor his contributions.
The isolation of the tuberculosis bacillus by Robert Koch was a turning point in medical science.

Surface Forms

Robert Koch main

Morphology

Robert + Koch

This is a proper name composed of two personal name elements; knowing the words 'Robert' and 'Koch' does not allow a learner to infer the referent (a German bacteriologist) or biographical information. Personal names are arbitrary labels rather than compositional phrases, so the meaning cannot be derived from the constituents.

Etymology

Robert Koch was a German doctor who looked for tiny 'bacteria' under a microscope and found the germs that cause 'anthrax', 'tuberculosis', and 'cholera'. That's why his name now stands for great work in the study of germs.