spiroplasma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “spiroplasma” mean?
A type of bacteria that lacks a rigid cell wall and has a helical, spiral shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of bacteria that lacks a rigid cell wall and has a helical, spiral shape.
A genus of Mollicutes bacteria that are pathogens in many plants and some insects, causing diseases such as citrus stubborn disease and corn stunt disease.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; pronunciation may differ subtly.
Connotations
Exclusively scientific and technical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse; used only within relevant biological, agricultural, and medical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “spiroplasma” in a Sentence
Spiroplasma + verb (causes, infects, affects)Spiroplasma + of + plant diseaseinfection/disease + caused by + spiroplasmaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spiroplasma” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The spiroplasmal morphology is distinctive.
- Spiroplasmal infections are difficult to treat.
American English
- The spiroplasmal morphology is unique.
- Spiroplasmal diseases cause significant crop loss.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in microbiology, phytopathology, and agricultural science research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used in plant pathology labs, agricultural extension reports, and microbiological diagnostics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spiroplasma”
- Misspelling as 'spiroplazma' or 'spyroplasma'.
- Using it as a common noun without capitalisation when referring to the genus.
- Confusing it with Spirochaete bacteria.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Spiroplasma is a genus of bacteria, specifically within the class Mollicutes.
While primarily plant and insect pathogens, some Spiroplasma species have been found in ticks and mosquitoes, but they are not major human pathogens.
Because it lacks a cell wall and has complex nutritional requirements, often needing specialized media.
Its helical or spiral shape, which gives the genus its name ('spiro-' meaning spiral).
A type of bacteria that lacks a rigid cell wall and has a helical, spiral shape.
Spiroplasma is usually technical/scientific in register.
Spiroplasma: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspaɪrə(ʊ)ˈplæzmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspaɪroʊˈplæzmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SPIRal PLASMA' – a spiral-shaped bacterium that lacks a cell wall, existing in a more fluid, plasma-like state.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATHOGEN AS INTRUDER (The spiroplasma invades the plant's phloem.)
Practice
Quiz
Spiroplasma is primarily associated with which field of study?