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E. coli

E. coli is defined as a bacteria inside the human intestines.

(noun)

An example of E. coli is what can cause diarrhea when not washed off hands after someone uses the bathroom.

See E. coli in Webster's New World College Dictionary

a species of Gram-negative bacteria normally present in the intestines of all vertebrates and widely used in biological research: its presence in water in certain quantities indicates fecal pollution that can cause diarrhea

Origin: ModL E(scherichia) coli after T. Escherich (1857-1911), Ger physician + L coli, of the colon

See E. coli in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A bacillus (Escherichia coli) normally found in the human gastrointestinal tract and existing as numerous strains, some of which are responsible for diarrheal diseases. Other strains have been used experimentally in molecular biology.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin E(scherichia) colī, species name

Origin: : after Theodor Escherich (1857-1911), German physician

Origin: + Latin colī

Origin: , genitive of colon, colon; see colon²

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