streptobacillus

noun

strep·​to·​ba·​cil·​lus ˌstrep-tō-bə-ˈsi-ləs 

: any of a genus (Streptobacillus) of nonmotile gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria in which the individual cells are often joined in a chain

especially : one (S. moniliformis) that is the causative agent of one form of rat-bite fever

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

streptobacillus

noun

strep·​to·​ba·​cil·​lus -bə-ˈsil-əs 

1

capitalized : a genus of facultatively anaerobic gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria (family Fusobacteriaceae) in which the individual cells are often joined in a chain

2

plural streptobacilli -ˌlī  : any bacterium of the genus Streptobacillus

especially : one (as S. moniliformis) that is the causative agent of one form of rat-bite fever