Bacteria Definition

baktirēə
bacterium
noun
Any of a division (Bacteria) of monerans, microorganisms which are typically one-celled, have no chlorophyll, multiply by simple division, and can be seen only with a microscope: they occur in three main forms, spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), and spiral (spirilla): some bacteria cause diseases such as pneumonia and anthrax, and others are necessary for fermentation, nitrogen fixation, etc.
Webster's New World

Plural form of bacterium.

Wiktionary
(US) A type, species, or strain of bacterium.
Wiktionary

(US, proscribed) Alternative form of bacterium.

Wiktionary

(pejorative, slang) A derisive term for a lowlife or a slob (could be treated as plural or singular).

Wiktionary
pronoun

In the three-domain system, a taxonomic domain comprising the single kingdom also called Bacteria, containing about 25 phyla.

Wiktionary

In the two-empire system, a taxonomic kingdom, within domain Prokaryota: single cell organisms (the bacteria); once divided into the Archaebacteria and Eubacteria.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Bacteria

Noun

Singular:
bacteria
Plural:
bacteriae

Origin of Bacteria

  • From New Latin bacteria, plural of bacterium, from Ancient Greek βακτήριον (baktērion), neuter diminutive of βακτηρία (baktēria, “rod, stick”).

    From Wiktionary

  • From New Latin bacteria, from Ancient Greek βακτηρία (baktēria, “rod, stick”).

    From Wiktionary

  • From Ancient Greek βακτηρία (baktēria, “rod”)

    From Wiktionary

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