staph
Staph (noun) means a common type of bacteria (Staphylococcus) that lives on skin and can cause infections ranging from minor boils to serious illness. Example: “The cut got infected and tested positive for staph.”
How to use staph
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe informal, everyday word for a staphylococcus infection.
Don't confuse with "strep" (Streptococcus), a different bacteria that causes strep throat.
Word forms
staphs plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cut got infected and tested positive for _____.
Etymology
A shortened, everyday form of "staphylococcus," itself from Greek staphylē ("bunch of grapes," describing how the bacteria cluster together under a microscope) + kokkos ("berry").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for staph
See all rhymes for staph →Frequently asked questions
What does “staph” mean?
The word “staph” means a common type of bacteria (Staphylococcus) that lives on skin and can cause infections ranging from minor boils to serious illness. In plain terms, the informal, everyday word for a staphylococcus infection.
How do you pronounce “staph”?
“Staph” is pronounced staf (/stæf/ in IPA).
How do you use “staph” in a sentence?
Here is “staph” used in a sentence: “The cut got infected and tested positive for staph.”
What part of speech is “staph”?
“Staph” is a noun.
Where does the word “staph” come from?
The word “staph” comes from Greek. A shortened, everyday form of "staphylococcus," itself from Greek staphylē ("bunch of grapes," describing how the bacteria cluster together under a microscope) + kokkos ("berry").