Mycoplasma
/ˌmaɪ.koʊˈplæz.mə/noun
A genus of very small bacteria that lack a cell wall and can cause disease in humans and animals.
Did you know?Mycoplasma was named from Greek roots meaning “fungus” and “formed thing,” because early microbiologists mistook its mold-like appearance for a fungus-like organism.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
mýkēs
“fungus; mold”
Ancient Greek
Gk
plásma
“something formed or molded”
Early 20th Century
Latinized scientific
Mycoplasma
“a name coined for a fungus-like microorganism”
Modern English
English
mycoplasma
“a genus of bacteria lacking a cell wall”