streptococcus

Everyday

(science, medicine) Streptococcus is a type of round bacteria that grow in chains. Some kinds live harmlessly in us; others cause illnesses such as strep throat, scarlet fever and some skin and ear infections. tree →

In the lessons

Science and health: doctors can test for «strep» with a throat swab; infections are usually treated with antibiotics, and you must finish the course. Washing hands and covering coughs helps stop the spread. Under a microscope streptococci look like strings of beads. Short everyday word: «strep» (strep throat, US).

Examples

• Streptococcus bacteria look like chains of beads. tree →
• The doctor tested for streptococcus with a throat swab. tree →
• Strep throat is caused by streptococcus. tree →
• Scarlet fever is caused by a kind of streptococcus. tree →
• Streptococci are passed on by coughs and sneezes. tree →
• Antibiotics can kill streptococcus bacteria. tree →

Note

Said «strep-tuh-KOK-us». Plural: streptococci («strep-tuh-KOK-sye» or «-KOK-ee»). Often shortened to «strep». Antibiotics work on bacteria like these, not on viruses like colds.