enterococcus

noun

en·​tero·​coc·​cus ˌen-tə-rō-ˈkä-kəs How to pronounce enterococcus (audio)
plural enterococci ˌen-tə-rō-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī How to pronounce enterococcus (audio)
-ˈkäk-(ˌ)(s)ē
: any of a genus (Enterococcus) of gram-positive bacteria that resemble streptococci and were formerly classified with them
especially : a bacterium (E. faecalis) normally present in the intestine
enterococcal
ˌen-tə-rō-ˈkä-kəl How to pronounce enterococcus (audio)
adjective

Examples of enterococcus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both spots tested high for enterococcus, a broad range of bacteria that can cause infections such as meningitis in humans. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025 Experts say the levels of bacteria, primarily E. coli and enterococcus, fluctuate depending on the amount of rainfall and sunlight hitting the water. — Alice Park / Paris, TIME, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enterococcus was in 1899

Phrases Containing enterococcus

Rhymes for enterococcus

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“Enterococcus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enterococcus. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

enterococcus

noun
en·​tero·​coc·​cus -ˈkäk-əs How to pronounce enterococcus (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of gram-positive bacteria that resemble streptococci and were formerly classified with them
2
enterococci -ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī How to pronounce enterococcus (audio) -ˈkäk-(ˌ)(s)ē How to pronounce enterococcus (audio) plural : any bacterium of the genus Enterococcus
especially : one (E. faecalis) normally present in the intestine
enterococcal
-ˈkäk-əl How to pronounce enterococcus (audio)
adjective
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