comma bacillus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic/Technical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “comma bacillus” mean?
A bacterium (Vibrio cholerae) with a curved, comma-like shape, which causes cholera.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bacterium (Vibrio cholerae) with a curved, comma-like shape, which causes cholera.
A term primarily used in historical and medical contexts to refer to the causative agent of cholera, identified by Robert Koch in 1883. It's used in microbiology and the history of medicine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally historical/technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical, scientific, associated with the discovery of the cause of cholera.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to historical medical texts or discussions of the history of epidemiology.
Grammar
How to Use “comma bacillus” in a Sentence
The comma bacillus [verb: was discovered, is found, causes].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical papers on microbiology, epidemiology, or medical history. E.g., 'Koch's identification of the comma bacillus was a milestone.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a historical synonym for Vibrio cholerae in microbiology or public health contexts, though the modern taxonomic name is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “comma bacillus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comma bacillus”
- Using it in modern medical advice instead of 'Vibrio cholerae'.
- Spelling as 'comma bacillius' or 'coma bacillus'.
- Treating it as a general term for any curved bacterium.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical term. Modern medical and scientific literature uses the taxonomic name 'Vibrio cholerae'.
Because under a microscope, the bacterium Vibrio cholerae has a distinct curved, comma-like shape.
Historically, 'bacillus' was used specifically for rod-shaped bacteria. While all bacilli are bacteria, not all bacteria are bacilli. 'Comma bacillus' is a misnomer, as Vibrio cholerae is a curved rod (vibrio), not a true bacillus.
Only if you are discussing the historical context of its discovery. For contemporary discussion of the bacterium itself, you should use 'Vibrio cholerae'.
A bacterium (Vibrio cholerae) with a curved, comma-like shape, which causes cholera.
Comma bacillus is usually academic/technical/historical in register.
Comma bacillus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒmə bəˈsɪləs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːmə bəˈsɪləs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny, living 'comma' (,) that causes illness. The shape (comma) + the type (bacillus) = comma bacillus.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE FOR THE ORGANISM (The curved shape stands for the entire bacterium).
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern scientific name for the 'comma bacillus'?