mycobacterium

(mī′kō bak tirē əm)

noun pl. mycobacteria

any of a genus (Mycobacterium) of rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria, as those causing tuberculosis and leprosy

Origin: ModL: see myco- & bacteria

See mycobacterium in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. my·co·bac·te·ri·a (-tîrˈē-ə)
Any of various slender, rod-shaped, aerobic bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium, which includes the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.

Related Forms:

  • myˌco·bac·terˈi·al adjective

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