[gram-poz-i-tiv] 
) | (of bacteria) retaining the violet dye when stained by Gram's method. |
| gram-pos·i·tive or Gram-pos·i·tive (grām'pŏz'ĭ-tĭv) adj. Of, relating to, or being a bacterium that retains the violet stain used in Gram's method. |
gram-positive or Gram-positive (grām'pŏz'ĭ-tĭv)
adj.
Of, relating to, or being a bacterium that retains the violet stain used in Gram's method.
| gram-positive
Relating to a group of bacteria that turn a dark-blue color when subjected to a laboratory staining method known as Gram's method. Gram-positive bacteria have relatively thick cell walls and are generally sensitive to the destructive effects of antibiotics or the actions of the body's immune cells. Gram-positive bacteria include beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil, as well as the bacteria that cause anthrax, botulism, leprosy, tuberculosis, scarlet fever, and strep throat. Compare gram-negative. |