streptococcus

Meaning

A spherical, gram-positive bacterium of the genus Streptococcus. Although commonly found benignly in the human mouth and gut, and though many species are non-pathogenic, other species can cause diseases including strep throat and more serious conditions.

Synonyms

strep

streptococci

grit

Translations

streptocoque

streptococco

estreptococo

streptobacille

streptococcie

estreptococo

Bakteriengattung

streptococcus

Streptokokken

στρεπτόκοκκος

streptococcus

estreptococ

Streptokokkus

Kettenkokken

بكتيريا

Etymology

Morphologically a compound of strepto- + -coccus. They grow in chains or pairs, thus the name — from Ancient Greek στρεπτός (streptós, “twisted, pliant”), like a chain. Compare the genus name Streptococcus.