Streptococcus
/strɛp.təˈkɒkəs/noun
A genus of bacteria known for causing various infections in humans and animals.
Did you know?The name 'Streptococcus' comes from the Greek words for 'twisted' and 'berry', reflecting its characteristic shape when viewed under a microscope.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
στρεπτός (streptos)
“twisted or turned”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κόκκος (kokkos)
“berry or seed”
19th Century
Latin
Streptococcus
“Twisted berry, used in the classification of bacteria”
Modern English
English
Streptococcus
“Adopted term for a genus of spherical bacteria that cluster in chains”
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