leptospire

noun

lep·​to·​spire ˈlep-tə-ˌspī(-ə)r How to pronounce leptospire (audio)
: any of a genus (Leptospira) of slender aerobic spiral-shaped spirochetes that are free-living or parasitic in mammals
leptospiral
ˌlep-tə-ˈspī-rəl How to pronounce leptospire (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Leptospira, from Greek leptos + Latin spira coil — more at spire

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leptospire was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near leptospire

Leptosphaeria

leptospire

leptospirosis

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Leptospire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leptospire. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

leptospire

noun
lep·​to·​spire ˈlep-tə-ˌspī(ə)r How to pronounce leptospire (audio)
: any spirochete of the genus Leptospira

called also leptospira

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