What does streptococci mean?
Streptococci are bacteria belonging to the genus Streptococcus. They are generally round or oval and are named for the way many species arrange themselves in chains. Some inhabit the mouth, skin, nose, or intestine without causing harm, whereas others can produce infections ranging from sore throat and dental infections to pneumonia, scarlet fever, and meningitis. The plural is used when several bacteria or members of the genus are being discussed; the singular “streptococcus” can name either the genus or one bacterium. In medical and public-health writing, terms such as “group A streptococci” and “group B streptococci” identify particular groups that are important in diagnosis and disease control. Although “strep” is common informal shorthand in both everyday speech and clinical settings, the full form is preferred when precision about the organism is needed.
plural nounStreptococci are spherical bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, many of which occur in chains. Some species live harmlessly in or on the human body, while others can cause diseases such as strep throat, pneumonia, and meningitis.
- Members of the bacterial genus Streptococcus, including both harmless species and species that cause disease.
"Researchers identified resistant streptococci in samples taken from the infected patients."
"The laboratory confirmed that the patient was carrying group B streptococci."
"Doctors prescribed antibiotics after tests identified antibiotic-resistant streptococci in the sample."
This headword is already plural; the corresponding singular is “streptococcus.”
"The sample contained streptococci resistant to several antibiotics."
Streptococci owe their name to their chain-like appearance: the Greek roots mean “twisted” and “berry,” evoking a curved string of tiny spheres.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does streptococci come from?
The name comes through New Latin from Greek streptos, meaning “twisted” or “curved,” and kokkos, meaning “berry.” It refers to the rounded bacterial cells that can appear in curved chains. The combining forms also appear in related scientific words such as streptomycin and streptose.
Related word forms
How streptococci is actually used
The word is used mainly in medical, biological, and scientific contexts. In ordinary discussion it may be shortened to “strep,” as in “strep infections.”
Easily confused with streptococci
Streptococcus is the singular name of the bacterial genus and the name of an individual member, whereas streptococci is the plural form referring to multiple bacteria.