Nitrosococcus

noun

Ni·​tro·​so·​coc·​cus nī-ˌtrō-sō-ˈkä-kəs 

: a genus of large, spherical to ellipsoidal, nitrifying bacteria (family Chromatiaceae) that live in saline environments (such as oceans and salt lakes) and obtain energy for growth by oxidizing ammonia to nitrites

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from nitrosus nitrous + -o- + -coccus

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