bac•te•ri•abækˈtɪər i ə; -ˈtɪər i əm(n.pl.)(sing.)-te•ri•um

1. any of numerous groups of microscopic one-celled organisms constituting the phylum Schizomycota, of the kingdom Monera, various species of which are involved in infectious diseases, nitrogen fixation, fermentation, or putrefaction.

   Category: Microbiology

Origin of bacteria:

1905–10; < NL < Gk baktḗria, pl. of baktḗrion; see bacterium

bac•te′ri•al•ly(adv.)