What it means
The root in names of bacteria that grow in chains, seen under the microscope like strings of beads. Streptococcusstrep-tuh-KOK-usA group of round bacteria that grow in chains, some of which cause infections in people.strept/o twisted chain-coccus round bacteriumFull entry is a chain-forming round bacterium, the cause of strep throat; streptokinase is an enzyme made by streptococci, once used to dissolve clots.
At a glance
| Also written | strepto- |
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Related terms
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
Streptococcus
A group of round bacteria that grow in chains, some of which cause infections in people.