Bacterial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bacterial

[bรฆkหˆtษชษ™riษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

microbiology related

The term 'bacterial' refers to anything that is related to bacteria, which are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus. Bacteria are found in various environments and can be beneficial or harmful to other living beings. Bacterial infections occur when pathogenic bacteria invade body tissues and cause illness. Bacterial properties can also refer to the metabolic activities of bacteria, affecting their growth and reproduction. The study of bacterial functions is a crucial aspect of microbiology and medicine.

Synonyms

germ-related, microbial, pathogenic.

Examples of usage

  • Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.
  • The bacterial culture was grown in a controlled environment.
  • Bacterial resistance is a growing concern in healthcare.
  • The study focused on bacterial diversity in the ocean.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Health

  • Not all bacteria are harmful; many are essential for digestion and help break down food into nutrients.
  • Some antibiotics, like penicillin, are derived from bacteria and are used to fight off infections.

Environmental Impact

  • Bacteria play a crucial role in recycling nutrients, breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.
  • Certain bacteria are used in bioremediation, a process that cleans up polluted environments by breaking down toxic substances.

Science & Technology

  • In biotechnology, genetic engineering often involves manipulating bacterial DNA to produce medicines and other useful products.
  • Bacterial fermentation is used in producing foods like yogurt, cheese, and sauerkraut, making them taste delicious!

Pop Culture

  • Films and books often portray bacteria as dangerous invaders, especially in science fiction stories related to disease outbreaks.
  • In cartoons, bacteria are often depicted as evil little monsters, which can shape how people view them.

Origin of 'bacterial'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'bacterial' comes from 'bacterium', which is Greek for 'rod', describing their common shape.
  • Bacteria were first discovered in the 1670s by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, using a simple microscope he made himself.

The word 'bacterial' originates from the mid-19th century, derived from the term 'bacterium'. The term 'bacterium' itself comes from the Greek word 'bakterion', which means 'small rod', as many bacteria have a rod-like shape. The suffix '-ial' is used to form adjectives indicating a relationship to a noun. The scientific classification of bacteria advanced significantly in the 19th century with the work of microbiologist Louis Pasteur and others, who discovered the role that bacteria play in fermentation and disease. Bacterial studies became crucial in the development of vaccines and the understanding of infections. Over time, the term 'bacterial' has come to encompass a wide range of studies about these microorganisms, including their structure, classification, and impact on human health.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,682 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.