bacterium
Bacterium (noun) means a single microscopic organism made of one cell, lacking a nucleus, that belongs to the bacteria group. Example: “Scientists identified the exact bacterium responsible for the outbreak.”
How to use bacterium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe singular form of "bacteria" — one single-celled microbe without a nucleus.
Use "bacterium" for one organism and "bacteria" for more than one — "a bacteria" is a common but technically incorrect usage.
Word forms
bacteria plural, bacteriums plural
Fill the gap
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Scientists identified the exact _____ responsible for the outbreak.
Etymology
From New Latin bactērium, from the Ancient Greek word for "small staff," referring to the rod-like shape common among these organisms.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bacterium
See all rhymes for bacterium →Frequently asked questions
What does “bacterium” mean?
The word “bacterium” means a single microscopic organism made of one cell, lacking a nucleus, that belongs to the bacteria group. In plain terms, the singular form of "bacteria" — one single-celled microbe without a nucleus.
How do you pronounce “bacterium”?
“Bacterium” is pronounced bak-TEERR-eerm (/bækˈtɪəɹ.ɪəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “bacterium” in a sentence?
Here is “bacterium” used in a sentence: “Scientists identified the exact bacterium responsible for the outbreak.”
What part of speech is “bacterium”?
“Bacterium” is a noun.
Where does the word “bacterium” come from?
The word “bacterium” comes from Ancient Greek. From New Latin bactērium, from the Ancient Greek word for "small staff," referring to the rod-like shape common among these organisms.
Is “bacterium” a common word?
“Bacterium” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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