cocci: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Scientific/Medical Technical
Quick answer
What does “cocci” mean?
A plural noun referring to spherical or nearly spherical bacteria.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plural noun referring to spherical or nearly spherical bacteria.
In biology, a general term for any spherical bacterial cells, such as staphylococci or streptococci, which can appear singly, in pairs, chains, or clusters. In botany (archaic), sometimes used to refer to parts of certain fruits, like the segments of a pomegranate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both regions, confined to professional/educational contexts in life sciences.
Grammar
How to Use “cocci” in a Sentence
The [specimen] revealed numerous [adjective] cocci.[Diagnosis] indicated an infection with [type] cocci.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cocci” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coccal morphology was evident under the microscope.
- A coccobacillary shape was observed.
American English
- The coccal forms were Gram-stained.
- It displayed a coccobacillus appearance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in microbiology, medicine, and life science textbooks, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only appear in patient education materials or news articles about infections.
Technical
The primary context. Standard terminology in medical labs, diagnostic reports, and clinical discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cocci”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cocci”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cocci”
- Using 'cocci' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a cocci'). The singular is 'coccus'.
- Misspelling as 'cockeye' or 'coccy' (which relates to the tailbone).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The singular form is 'coccus'.
Very rarely. Its primary and almost exclusive use is in microbiology and medical contexts to describe a shape of bacteria.
No, it refers to the shape of the bacterium itself. Diseases are named for the specific bacterium (e.g., staphylococcus infection) or the illness (e.g., pneumonia).
In British English, it's pronounced /ˈkɒk.saɪ/ (KOK-sigh). In American English, it's /ˈkɑːk.saɪ/ (KAHK-sigh).
A plural noun referring to spherical or nearly spherical bacteria.
Cocci is usually scientific/medical technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'cocci' sounding like 'cock-eye' – imagine a tiny, round bacterium looking at you with one eye.
Conceptual Metaphor
BACTERIA ARE SPHERES (A specific type is conceptualised by its simple shape).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cocci' most appropriately used?