L-form

noun

ˈel-ˌfȯrm 

variants or less commonly L-phase

ˈel-ˌfāz 

: a small variant form of some bacteria (as those causing anthrax, Lyme disease, and tuberculosis) that typically lacks a cell wall and displays resistance to antibiotics

Word History

Etymology

Lister Institute, London, where it was first isolated

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

L-form

noun

ˈel-ˌfȯrm 

: a small, variant form of some bacteria (such as those causing anthrax, Lyme disease, and tuberculosis) that usually lacks a cell wall and typically displays resistance to antibiotics

called also L-phase