Adjacent Words

Micrococcus definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: type genus of the family Micrococcaceae [syn: Micrococcus, genus Micrococcus]

Merriam Webster's

noun (plural micrococci) Etymology: New Latin Date: 1870 a small spherical bacterium; especially any of a genus (Micrococcus) of gram-positive chiefly harmless bacteria that typically occur in irregular clusters • micrococcal adjective

Britannica Concise

Any of the spherical bacteria that make up the genus Micrococcus, which are widespread in nature. These gram-positive (see gram stain) cocci (see coccus) are usually not considered to cause disease. They are normal inhabitants of the human body and may even be essential in keeping the balance among the various microorganisms found on the skin. Some species are found in the dust of the air, in soil, in marine waters, and on the skin of vertebrates. Certain species are found in milk and can result in spoilage.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Micrococcus Mi`cro*coc"cus, n.; pl. Micrococci. [NL. See Micro-, and Coccus.] (Biol.) A genus of Spherobacteria, in the form of very small globular or oval cells, forming, by transverse division, filaments, or chains of cells, or in some cases single organisms shaped like dumb-bells (Diplococcus), all without the power of motion. See Illust. of Ascoccus. Note: Physiologically, micrococci are divided into three groups; chromogenic, characterized by their power of forming pigment; zymogenic, including those associated with definite chemical processes; and pathogenic, those connected with disease.