bacillus

What is another word for bacillus? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A member of the bacterial genus Bacillus, made up of organisms shaped like short rods that form spores, some of which are capable of causing illness.

We haven't recorded synonyms for bacillus yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use bacillus

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

rod-shaped bacillus spore-forming bacillus Bacillus anthracis

This is a technical term used mainly in microbiology and medicine.

Etymology

Bacillus is a learned borrowing from Latin bacillus, meaning a little staff or wand. It is the diminutive form of the Latin baculum, meaning a stick or staff.

Full origin of bacillus →

Frequently asked questions

What is a bacillus?

A bacillus is a rod-shaped bacterium. The word can also mean specifically a member of the genus Bacillus, a group that includes some species able to make people ill.

What is the plural of bacillus?

The plural is bacilli.

Are all bacilli harmful?

No. Only some species of bacillus cause disease; many are harmless or even useful, such as those used in antibiotic production.

Nearby words

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