bacterium
UK: bækˈtɪəriəm | US: bækˈtɪriəm
n. a microscopic single-celled organism, often pathogenic, belonging to the domain Bacteria.
bacterium = bacter<rod/stick> + ium<neutral noun suffix>
- bacter: From Greek baktērion (small rod/staff), derived from baktron (stick). Reflects the rod-like shape of early observed bacteria.
- ium: A Latin neuter suffix used in scientific nomenclature to form names of biological entities (e.g., medium, equilibrium).
Etymology Origin:
The term bacterium was coined in the 19th century by German naturalist Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, who observed rod-shaped microorganisms under a microscope. The Greek root baktērion (rod) was chosen for their morphology, while the Latin -ium standardizes it as a scientific term. The plural bacteria later became the common form in English.
A single bacterium can multiply rapidly under optimal conditions.
Scientists study the bacterium E. coli to understand microbial genetics.
Antibiotics target specific structures within a bacterium.
The soil sample contained an unknown bacterium.
Proper handwashing eliminates harmful bacterium.