Bacteria Definition

baktirēə

bacterium

noun

Any of a division (Bacteria) of monerans, microorganisms which are typically one-celled, have no chlorophyll, multiply by simple division, and can be seen only with a microscope: they occur in three main forms, spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), and spiral (spirilla): some bacteria cause diseases such as pneumonia and anthrax, and others are necessary for fermentation, nitrogen fixation, etc.

Webster's New World

Plural form of bacterium.

Wiktionary

(US) A type, species, or strain of bacterium.

Wiktionary

(US, proscribed) Alternative form of bacterium.

Wiktionary

(pejorative, slang) A derisive term for a lowlife or a slob (could be treated as plural or singular).

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

pronoun

In the three-domain system, a taxonomic domain comprising the single kingdom also called Bacteria, containing about 25 phyla.

Wiktionary

In the two-empire system, a taxonomic kingdom, within domain Prokaryota: single cell organisms (the bacteria); once divided into the Archaebacteria and Eubacteria.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Bacteria

Noun

Singular:

bacteria

Plural:

bacteriae

Origin of Bacteria

From New Latin bacteria, plural of bacterium, from Ancient Greek βακτήριον (baktērion), neuter diminutive of βακτηρία (baktēria, “rod, stick”).

From Wiktionary
From New Latin bacteria, from Ancient Greek βακτηρία (baktēria, “rod, stick”).

From Wiktionary
From Ancient Greek βακτηρία (baktēria, “rod”)

From Wiktionary