coliform: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “coliform” mean?
Referring to bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, especially a group of rod-shaped bacteria used as indicators of water and food contamination.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Referring to bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, especially a group of rod-shaped bacteria used as indicators of water and food contamination.
Often used specifically for 'coliform bacteria,' particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli). In regulatory contexts, it refers to indicator organisms used to assess the sanitary quality of water, milk, or food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions (e.g., 'faecal' vs. 'fecal') apply in related terms.
Connotations
Identical. Strongly associated with public health, water quality, and sanitation testing.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, but common in environmental science, microbiology, and public health sectors in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “coliform” in a Sentence
<N> coliform count/levels/contaminationpositive/negative for coliformtest/detect/monitor coliformVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coliform” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The water sample exceeded the permissible level for faecal coliform bacteria.
- A routine test revealed coliform contamination in the supply.
American English
- The beach was closed due to high fecal coliform counts.
- The new filter system effectively reduces coliform levels.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of water utility management, food safety compliance, and environmental consulting reports.
Academic
Common in microbiology, environmental engineering, public health, and veterinary science publications.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in news reports about water quality advisories or food recalls.
Technical
Core term in water quality standards, sanitary engineering, and food microbiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coliform”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coliform”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coliform”
- Using 'coliform' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a coliform was found'). Prefer 'a coliform bacterium' or 'coliform bacteria were found'.
- Misspelling as 'colliform' or 'colliform'.
- Assuming it refers only to E. coli; it is a broader group, though often used interchangeably in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. E. coli is one specific type of coliform bacterium. 'Coliform' is a broader group, but in many public health contexts, especially concerning fecal contamination, the terms are closely linked.
In technical writing, the plural noun 'coliforms' is acceptable (e.g., 'The test detected coliforms'). In everyday language, it is almost always used adjectivally in phrases like 'coliform bacteria'.
They serve as indicator organisms. Their presence suggests that faecal contamination has occurred and that disease-causing pathogens *could* be present, prompting further investigation or action.
It is a neutral scientific term, but its *implication* is almost always negative, as it indicates contamination and a potential health risk.
Referring to bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, especially a group of rod-shaped bacteria used as indicators of water and food contamination.
Coliform is usually technical/scientific in register.
Coliform: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊlɪfɔːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊləfɔːrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COLI-form = shaped like COLIn (a rod) + FORM. It describes the rod-like shape of these gut bacteria.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDICATOR/ALARM: Coliform bacteria serve as a 'canary in the coal mine' for faecal contamination and potential health risks.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'coliform' most appropriately used?