listeria

noun

lis·​te·​ria li-ˈstir-ē-ə How to pronounce listeria (audio)
plural listeria
: any of a genus (Listeria) of small, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that do not form spores and have a tendency to grow in chains and that include one (Listeria monocytogenes) that causes listeriosis
A common germ found in many foods from raw vegetables to hot dogs, listeria can cause a sometimes fatal disease called listeriosis when present in large quantities.Amy Barrett
also : a disease or sickness caused by infection with this bacterium : listeriosis
Listeria symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Sierra Brown

Examples of listeria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These Costco Staples Are The Latest Victims Of Ongoing Listeria Recalls Consumption of food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 Complications can arise from listeria infections, requiring hospitalization for some cases. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Even among healthy people, a listeria infection can lead to symptoms including high fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Melvin Backman, Quartz, 25 Oct. 2024 In pregnant individuals, infection with listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection for the newborn. Monroe Hammond, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for listeria 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Listeria, from Joseph Lister

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of listeria was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near listeria

Cite this Entry

“Listeria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listeria. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

listeria

noun
lis·​te·​ria lis-ˈtir-ē-ə How to pronounce listeria (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of small gram-positive flagellated rod-shaped bacteria that do not form spores, are aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, and have a tendency to grow in chains and that include one (L. monocytogenes) causing listeriosis
2
: any bacterium of the genus Listeria

called also listerella

listerial adjective
listeric adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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