legionella: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Medical / News
Quick answer
What does “legionella” mean?
A bacterium that causes Legionnaires' disease, typically found in water systems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bacterium that causes Legionnaires' disease, typically found in water systems.
Any bacterium of the genus Legionella, or more broadly, the disease (Legionellosis) caused by it. Also used metonymically to refer to the risk or outbreak of the disease.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The regulatory frameworks (e.g., HSE in UK, OSHA/CDC in US) are different but the term is the same.
Connotations
Associated with failure in water system maintenance, public health risks, and negligence in building management in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to stringent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations and frequent media reporting on compliance.
Grammar
How to Use “legionella” in a Sentence
An outbreak of legionellaThe presence of legionellaTest for legionellaControl legionellaRisk of legionellaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “legionella” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cooling tower must be treated to prevent it from legionella contamination.
- The system was found to be legionella-positive after testing.
American English
- The building was cited for potentially legionella-harboring conditions.
- The water heater was replaced after it tested positive for legionella.
adjective
British English
- The legionella risk assessment is a legal requirement for landlords.
- They conducted legionella testing quarterly.
American English
- The facility implemented a new legionella management plan.
- A legionella outbreak was traced to the hospital's plumbing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to liability, insurance, and compliance costs for building owners and facility managers.
Academic
Used in microbiology, public health, and environmental science research.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of news reports about specific outbreaks or warnings.
Technical
Precise term in plumbing, HVAC, occupational safety, and epidemiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “legionella”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “legionella”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “legionella”
- Using 'legionella' as a plural (it's singular; plural is 'legionellae' or 'legionella bacteria').
- Misspelling as 'legionela' or 'legionnaire' (which is the disease).
- Confusing 'Legionnaires' disease' (the illness) with 'legionella' (the cause).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Legionella is the bacterium. Legionnaires' disease is the pneumonia-like illness caused by inhaling the bacterium.
It thrives in warm water environments like cooling towers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains.
Not typically. Infection usually occurs by inhaling mist or vapor containing the bacteria, not by swallowing it.
Control involves maintaining water temperatures outside the ideal range for bacterial growth, using biocides, and regular system flushing. The disease is treated with specific antibiotics.
A bacterium that causes Legionnaires' disease, typically found in water systems.
Legionella is usually technical / medical / news in register.
Legionella: in British English it is pronounced /ˌliː.dʒəˈnel.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌli.dʒəˈnel.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LEGION of tiny soldiers (bacteria) named Ella attacking a hotel's water system.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STEALTH INVADER (hidden in pipes, attacks the respiratory system).
Practice
Quiz
What is legionella?