Coccus: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฌ
coccus
[ หkษkษs ]
bacterial shape
Coccus refers to a type of bacterium that is spherical or oval in shape. These bacteria can exist as single cells, in pairs (diplococci), in chains (streptococci), or in clusters (staphylococci). They play various roles in human health and disease.
Synonyms
bacterium, microbe, prokaryote.
Examples of usage
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a pathogenic coccus.
- Cocci can be found in various environments, including soil and water.
- Under a microscope, coccus-shaped bacteria are easily recognizable.
- Some cocci are beneficial and part of the normal flora.
Translations
Translations of the word "coccus" in other languages:
๐ต๐น coco
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Kokken
๐ฎ๐ฉ kokus
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะพะบะบ
๐ต๐ฑ kok
๐ฏ๐ต ใณใใซใน
๐ซ๐ท coccus
๐ช๐ธ coco
๐น๐ท kok
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฝ์ฟ ์ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ููููุณ
๐จ๐ฟ kok
๐ธ๐ฐ kok
๐จ๐ณ ็่
๐ธ๐ฎ kok
๐ฎ๐ธ kรณkos
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะพะบะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแฃแกแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kok
๐ฒ๐ฝ coco
Etymology
The word 'coccus' comes from the Greek word 'kokkos', meaning 'berry' or 'grain'. This reflects the shape of these bacteria, which resembles that of small berries. The term has been used in microbiology since the late 19th century as scientists began to classify bacteria based on their shapes and arrangements. It is an essential part of the nomenclature used in microbiology and helps in understanding the characteristics and behaviors of different bacterial species. As microbiology progressed, the classification of bacteria expanded beyond just cocci to include bacilli (rod-shaped) and spirilla (spiral-shaped), each with their importance in the study of infectious diseases and their treatment.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #33,050 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 33047 suffragan
- 33048 waddling
- 33049 proffering
- 33050 coccus
- 33051 doodle
- 33052 pollinator
- 33053 counterpane
- ...