Bacterium
[bæk'tɪərɪəm] or [bæk'tɪrɪəm]
Definition
(n.) A microscopic vegetable organism, belonging to the class Algae, usually in the form of a jointed rodlike filament, and found in putrefying organic infusions. Bacteria are destitute of chlorophyll, and are the smallest of microscopic organisms. They are very widely diffused in nature, and multiply with marvelous rapidity, both by fission and by spores. Certain species are active agents in fermentation, while others appear to be the cause of certain infectious diseases. See Bacillus.
Checked by Gerald
Definition
n. Bacteria bak-tē′ri-a n.pl. Schizomycetes extremely small single-celled fungoid plants single or grouped reproducing rapidly by cross division or by the formation of spores almost always associated with the decomposition of albuminoid substances and regarded as the germs or active cause of many diseases.—ns. Bacteriol′ogist; Bacteriol′ogy the scientific study of bacteria.
Checked by Abby
Examples
- The bacteria are further divided into species, and names are given them to distinguish the different forms. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- On the other hand, bacteria are the cause of many of the most dangerous diseases, such as typhoid fever, tuberculosis, influenza, and la grippe. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- With the simple microscope Leeuwenhoek before 1673 had studied the structure of minute animal organisms and ten years later had even obtained sight of bacteria. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- They are known as micro-organisms, of which the bacteria are the most important. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- The bacteria-made compounds dissolve in the soil water and are absorbed into the plant by the roots. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- In a sick room sunlight is especially valuable, because it not only kills bacteria, but keeps the air dry, and new bacteria cannot get a start in a dry atmosphere. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- This is because the roots of these plants often have on them tiny swellings, or tubercles, in which millions of certain bacteria live and multiply. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- Dirt and dust exposed to the sunlight lose their living bacteria, while in damp cellars and dark corners the bacteria thrive, increasing steadily in number. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- Cuts and wounds allow easy access to the body; a small cut has been known to cause death because of the bacteria which found their way into the open wound and produced disease. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- The delicate flavor of butter and the sharp but pleasing taste of cheese are produced by bacteria. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- But the chemicals which destroy bacteria frequently injure the consumer as well. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- In the household, bacteria are a fruitful source of trouble, but some of them are distinctly friends. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- For the study of bacteria they are propagated artificially in a test tube--_i. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- These bacteria have the remarkable power of taking free nitrogen from the air in the soil and of combining it with other substances to form compounds which plants can use. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- Roots of soy bean having tubercle-bearing bacteria. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
Checked by Juliana