: any of various encapsulated bacteria (such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia) that usually occur in pairs and that were formerly grouped in a single taxon (genus Diplococcus) but are now all assigned to other genera

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name

First Known Use

circa 1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diplococcus was circa 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diplococcus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diplococcus. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

diplococcus

noun
: any of various bacteria that occur usually in pairs in a capsule and include some that cause serious diseases

Medical Definition

diplococcus

noun
: any of various encapsulated bacteria (as the pneumococcus) that usually occur in pairs and that were formerly grouped in a single taxon (genus Diplococcus) but are now all assigned to other genera

More from Merriam-Webster on diplococcus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!