micrococcus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “micrococcus” mean?
A genus of spherical bacteria, typically found in pairs, tetrads, or irregular clusters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genus of spherical bacteria, typically found in pairs, tetrads, or irregular clusters.
Any bacterium of the genus Micrococcus, often found in soil, water, and on human skin, and generally considered non-pathogenic or opportunistic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard national conventions.
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “micrococcus” in a Sentence
The [sample/soil] contained Micrococcus.Micrococcus was [isolated/identified/cultured] from the [source].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “micrococcus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The micrococcal morphology was evident under the microscope.
American English
- The micrococcal morphology was evident under the microscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in microbiology, medical, and environmental science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered.
Technical
Core term in bacteriology for describing specific bacterial isolates and their characteristics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “micrococcus”
- Incorrect plural: 'micrococci' is correct, 'micrococcuses' is non-standard. Misuse as a general term for any small bacterium.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Micrococcus species are non-pathogenic and are common commensals on human skin. They are generally considered opportunistic pathogens, meaning they may cause infection only in individuals with compromised immune systems.
The correct plural form is 'micrococci' (/ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈkɒk.saɪ/).
Both are Gram-positive, coccoid bacteria, but they belong to different genera. They differ in biochemical tests (like the catalase test), metabolic pathways, and genetic makeup. Staphylococci are often associated with infections, while micrococci are less commonly pathogenic.
Micrococcus is ubiquitous in the environment. It is commonly found in soil, dust, water, and on the skin of humans and other animals.
A genus of spherical bacteria, typically found in pairs, tetrads, or irregular clusters.
Micrococcus is usually technical/scientific in register.
Micrococcus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmʌɪkrə(ʊ)ˈkɒkəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪkroʊˈkɑːkəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MICRO (very small) + COCCUS (berry-shaped) = a very tiny, round berry-like bacterium.
Conceptual Metaphor
A sphere or berry (from the Greek 'kokkos' meaning berry).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'micrococcus' primarily used?