bacterium noun. [bak'tɪǝrɪǝm] Pl. -ia [-ɪǝ]. M19.
[mod. Latin from Greek baktērion dim. of baktēria staff, cane.]
Any of the very widely distributed group Bacteria of microscopic prokaryotic mainly single-celled organisms, many of which are symbiotic or pathogenic in animals and plants.
iron bacterium: see IRON noun & adjective. purple bacterium: see PURPLE adjective & noun.

► Bacteria were formerly classified as fungi, but are now usu. regarded (with blue-green algae) as constituting a distinct division of plants, or an independent kingdom.

■ bacterize ['baktǝrʌɪz] verb trans. treat with bacteria E20.

■ bacteri'zation noun E20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲