streptococcus
noun
strep·to·coc·cus
ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-kəs 
plural streptococci
ˌstrep-tə-ˈkä-ˌkī
-(ˌ)kē;
-ˈkäk-ˌsī
-(ˌ)sē
: any of a genus (Streptococcus) of spherical or ovoid chiefly nonmotile and parasitic gram-positive bacteria that divide only in one plane, occur in pairs or chains, and include important pathogens of humans and domestic animals
broadly
: a coccus occurring in chains
Examples of streptococcus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet vaccine-preventable illnesses like hepatitis A and B or streptococcus pneumoniae still kill millions every year.
—
Dylan Matthews, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024
Other infections: Some infectious organisms that do not typically target the liver, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), streptococcus, tuberculosis, and others, can sometimes affect the liver, potentially causing liver fibrosis.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024
Scarlet fever, a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus.
Rubella, a viral infection also known as German measles.
—Anne Thompson, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2024
In December 2022, five European countries reported to the World Health Organization an increase in invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS), with children under 10 the most impacted.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 17 June 2024
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Dylan Matthews, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024
Other infections: Some infectious organisms that do not typically target the liver, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), streptococcus, tuberculosis, and others, can sometimes affect the liver, potentially causing liver fibrosis.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024
Scarlet fever, a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus.
Rubella, a viral infection also known as German measles.
—Anne Thompson, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2024
In December 2022, five European countries reported to the World Health Organization an increase in invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS), with children under 10 the most impacted.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for streptococcus
Dictionary Entries Near streptococcus
Cite this Entry
“Streptococcus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streptococcus. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
streptococcus
noun
strep·to·coc·cus
ˌstrep-tə-ˈkäk-əs
plural streptococci
-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī
-(ˌ)(s)ē
: any of various mostly parasitic round bacteria that occur in pairs or chains and include some that cause diseases in human beings and animals
Medical Definition
streptococcus
noun
strep·to·coc·cus
-ˈkäk-əs
1
capitalized
: a genus of spherical or ovoid chiefly nonmotile and parasitic gram-positive bacteria (family Streptococcaceae) that divide only in one plane, occur in pairs or chains, and include important pathogens of humans and domestic animals
2
plural streptococci
-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī
: any bacterium of the genus Streptococcus
: any bacterium of the genus Streptococcus
broadly
: a coccus occurring in chains
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