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Glite Dictionary
streptobacillus

streptobacillus

9.9
A rod-shaped bacterium that often forms chains and can cause disease in people and animals
  • noun
  • /ˌstrɛp.təˈbæs.ɪ.ləs/
  • Specialized
: estreptobacilo
  • Under the microscope, the streptobacillus appears as a chain of rod-shaped cells.

Examples

  • The doctor explained that streptobacillus infection can lead to rat-bite fever.

  • Researchers isolated a streptobacillus strain from the contaminated water sample.

  • The streptobacillus is a type of bacteria.

  • Some streptobacilli can cause serious infections.

  • Researchers isolated a streptobacillus strain from the contaminated water sample.

  • The doctor explained that a streptobacillus infection can lead to rat-bite fever.

  • Under the microscope, the streptobacillus appears as a chain of rod-shaped cells.

Surface Forms

streptobacillus singular
streptobacilli plural

Morphology

streptobacillus = bacillus (semi-transparent) = strepto + bacillus

Built from the combining form 'strepto' (chain/twisted) + 'bacillus'; the biological meaning is clear to those familiar with scientific terms but may be obscure to general learners.

Etymology

Streptobacillus breaks into parts: strepto- meaning 'twisted' or 'chain' and bacillus meaning 'small rod'. So the name gives an image of tiny rod-shaped bacteria linked in a chain, which helps you remember these bacteria often grow in chains and can cause illness.