plectridium

noun

plec·​trid·​i·​um
plekˈtridēəm
plural plectridia
-ēə
: a hammer-shaped or drumstick-shaped cell
especially : any of various rod-shaped bacteria formerly classed as a genus Plectridium in which one end becomes enlarged by the production of an endospore

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin plectrum + New Latin -idium

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!

Dictionary Entries Near plectridium

Cite this Entry

“Plectridium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plectridium. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!