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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!