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Glite Dictionary
genus Mycobacterium

genus Mycobacterium

8.1
A type of bacteria that do not move and need air, including those that cause tuberculosis and leprosy
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs maɪˈkɒbɛrɪəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Mycobacterium
  • The genus Mycobacterium includes the causative agents of both tuberculosis and leprosy.

Examples

  • The genus Mycobacterium includes several pathogenic species.

  • Scientists are researching ways to control infections caused by bacteria from the genus Mycobacterium.

  • Cultures revealed that the patient was infected with a species belonging to the genus Mycobacterium.

  • Researchers are studying the genus Mycobacterium for new treatments.

  • Cultures revealed that the patient was infected with a species belonging to the genus Mycobacterium.

  • Scientists are researching ways to control infections caused by bacteria from the genus Mycobacterium.

  • The genus Mycobacterium includes the causative agents of both tuberculosis and leprosy.

Synonyms

mycobacterium
vsgenus Mycobacterium
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A rod-shaped bacterium that includes harmless types and others that cause diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy

refers to the entire scientific group of such bacteria rather than one species
mycobacteria
vsgenus Mycobacterium
  • Specialized
1 9.7

A group of long, thin bacteria that includes types living on dead material and types causing diseases like tuberculosis

emphasizes cellular traits like nonmotile, Gram-positive, and oxygen use rather than habitat

Surface Forms

genus Mycobacterium singular
genera Mycobacterium plural

Morphology

genus + mycobacterium

The noun phrase is compositionally transparent: 'genus' names a taxonomic rank and 'Mycobacterium' is the name of that genus, so the combined meaning is simply the taxonomic group called Mycobacterium. Although it is technical biological vocabulary, the sense follows directly from the constituents and would be inferable to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Genus Mycobacterium comes from Greek parts: myco means 'fungus' because these bacteria often grow with a fuzzy, mold-like look, and bacterium means 'small rod'. So the name suggests 'fungus-like rods', which fits because this group includes the germs that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.