Asterococci is a term that may be unfamiliar to many people. It is a scientific term that is used to describe a type of bacteria. This article will provide a definition and meaning of asterococci, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage.
Definitions
Asterococci are a type of bacteria that are characterized by their star-shaped appearance. They are gram-positive and non-motile, meaning they do not have the ability to move on their own. Asterococci are also facultative anaerobes, meaning they can survive in both the presence and absence of oxygen.
Origin
The name asterococci comes from the Greek word “aster,” meaning star, and “kokkos,” meaning berry or seed. The term was first used in the scientific literature in the early 1900s to describe a group of bacteria that had a star-shaped appearance.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Asterococci is not a commonly used term outside of the scientific community, and it is not found in most dictionaries. However, in medical dictionaries, asterococci are defined as a type of bacteria that are often found in the human mouth and throat.
Associations
Asterococci are associated with a variety of infections, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and respiratory tract infections. They are also sometimes found in blood cultures, although they are not typically considered to be a significant cause of bloodstream infections.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for asterococci.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for asterococci.
The same root words
The root word “aster” is also found in other scientific terms, such as astrophysics (the study of the physical properties of celestial objects) and asterisk (a symbol used to indicate a footnote or to highlight a particular word or phrase).
Example Sentences
- The dentist identified the presence of asterococci in the patient’s dental plaque.
- The culture from the patient’s blood sample showed the presence of asterococci.
- The research team is studying the virulence factors of asterococci to better understand how these bacteria cause infections.