English · Body & Health
bacteria
/bækˈtɪər.i.ə/
[/bækˈtɪər.i.ə/]
microscopic organisms
Intermediatenoun
Definition
Tiny single-celled organisms, some of which cause disease and some of which are helpful.
Example
Not all bacteria are harmful; many in the gut help us digest our food.
Not all bacteria are harmful; many in the gut help us digest our food.
Etymology
From Greek 'bakterion', meaning little staff.
How & Where It’s Used
Plural of 'bacterium'; key in medicine and food science.