staphylococcus
noun
staph·y·lo·coc·cus
ˌsta-f(ə-)lō-ˈkä-kəs 
plural staphylococci
ˌsta-f(ə-)lō-ˈkä-ˌkī
-(ˌ)kē;
-ˈkäk-ˌsī
-(ˌ)sē
: any of a genus (Staphylococcus) of nonmotile gram-positive spherical bacteria that occur singly, in pairs or tetrads, or in irregular clusters and include causative agents of various diseases (such as skin infections, food poisoning, and endocarditis)
Examples of staphylococcus in a Sentence
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Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria and usually only cause minor skin infections, according to the Mayo Clinic, though the infections can become more serious if the bacteria enters the bloodstream and travels to the host's bones, heart or lungs.
—
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2023
Lucy Moreton, an officer and former general secretary of the Union for Borders, Immigration and Customs, said that illnesses such as drug-resistant staphylococcus infections, scabies and diphtheria had all been detected among asylum seekers at Manston.
—Euan Ward, New York Times, 4 Nov. 2022
This 1997 study showed that undiluted vinegar had some effect on E. coli and salmonella, but a study conducted in 2000 showed no real impact against E. coli or S. aureus, the common staphylococcus bacteria responsible for most skin and soft tissue infections.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Aug. 2021
The last decades have seen the evolution of virulent, antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus germs (MRSA), now spread worldwide, along with potentially lethal strains of Clostridium difficile, a usually benign intestinal infection.
—Wendy Orent, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2012
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Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2023
Lucy Moreton, an officer and former general secretary of the Union for Borders, Immigration and Customs, said that illnesses such as drug-resistant staphylococcus infections, scabies and diphtheria had all been detected among asylum seekers at Manston.
—Euan Ward, New York Times, 4 Nov. 2022
This 1997 study showed that undiluted vinegar had some effect on E. coli and salmonella, but a study conducted in 2000 showed no real impact against E. coli or S. aureus, the common staphylococcus bacteria responsible for most skin and soft tissue infections.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Aug. 2021
The last decades have seen the evolution of virulent, antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus germs (MRSA), now spread worldwide, along with potentially lethal strains of Clostridium difficile, a usually benign intestinal infection.
—Wendy Orent, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2012
See all Example Sentences for staphylococcus
Dictionary Entries Near staphylococcus
Cite this Entry
“Staphylococcus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staphylococcus. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
staphylococcus
noun
staph·y·lo·coc·cus
ˌstaf-(ə-)lō-ˈkäk-əs
plural staphylococci
-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī
-(ˌ)(s)ē
: any of a group of round bacteria that cause various diseases (as food poisoning and skin infections) and that occur especially in irregular clusters
staphylococcal
adjective
-ˈkäk-əl
also staphylococcic
-ˈkäk-(s)ik
Medical Definition
staphylococcus
noun
staph·y·lo·coc·cus
ˌstaf-ə-lō-ˈkäk-əs
1
capitalized
: a genus of nonmotile gram-positive spherical bacteria that is placed in either of two families (Staphylococcaceae or Micrococcaceae), contains forms occurring singly, in pairs or tetrads, or in irregular clusters, and includes causative agents of various diseases and disorders (as food poisoning, skin infections, and endocarditis)
2
plural staphylococci
-ˈkäk-ˌ(s)ī
: any bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus
: any bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus
broadly
: micrococcus sense 2
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