enterobacterium: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowScientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “enterobacterium” mean?
A rod-shaped bacterium that inhabits the intestines of humans and other animals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rod-shaped bacterium that inhabits the intestines of humans and other animals.
Any bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which includes many common, often pathogenic, intestinal bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond its technical, clinical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both UK and US English, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “enterobacterium” in a Sentence
The [sample] contained [an/a specific] enterobacterium.[Salmonella] is a well-known enterobacterium.Infection was caused by a [drug-resistant] enterobacterium.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enterobacterium” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The enterobacterial infection required specific antibiotics.
- Enterobacterial morphology was studied under the microscope.
American English
- The enterobacterial infection required specific antibiotics.
- Enterobacterial counts were high in the water sample.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in microbiology, medicine, veterinary science, and public health research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in clinical diagnostics, epidemiology, and bacteriology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enterobacterium”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “enterobacterium”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enterobacterium”
- Mispronouncing the 'o' as a stressed syllable. Incorrect pluralisation (enterobacteriums). Using it to refer to any gut bacteria, including non-rod-shaped ones.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. E. coli is one specific species *within* the enterobacterium family (Enterobacteriaceae).
It would be highly unusual. In everyday contexts, people say 'gut bacteria' or name the specific illness (e.g., 'salmonella', 'e. coli infection').
No. Many are harmless commensals, living in the gut without causing disease. Some are pathogenic, like certain strains of Salmonella and E. coli.
The correct plural is 'enterobacteria'.
A rod-shaped bacterium that inhabits the intestines of humans and other animals.
Enterobacterium is usually scientific/technical in register.
Enterobacterium: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛntərəʊbækˈtɪərɪəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛntəroʊbækˈtɪriəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms exist for this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ENTER (intestines) + O + BACTERIUM. A bacterium found entering/inside the intestines.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is an enterobacterium?