bacteria
pronunciation
How to pronounce bacteria in British English:
UK [bækˈtɪəriə]
How to pronounce bacteria in American English:
US [bækˈtɪriə]
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- Noun:
- (microbiology) single-celled or noncellular spherical or spiral or rod-shaped organisms lacking chlorophyll that reproduce by fission; important as pathogens and for biochemical properties; taxonomy is difficult; often considered plants
Word Origin
- bacteria (n.)
- 1847, plural of Modern Latin bacterium, from Greek bakterion "small staff," diminutive of baktron "stick, rod," from PIE *bak- "staff used for support" (also source of Latin baculum "rod, walking stick"). So called because the first ones observed were rod-shaped. Introduced as a scientific word 1838 by German naturalist Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg (1795-1876).
Example
- 1. Recycling is so important that even bacteria do it .
- 2. This food provides fuel for the bacteria in plaque .
- 3. Sir alexander flemingnoticed that a growth of mold in a petri dish resisted bacteria .
- 4. Other bacteria are more gracious guests .
- 5. But not all bacteria are bad .