[gram-neg-uh-tiv] 
) | (of bacteria) not retaining the violet dye when stained by Gram's method. |
gram-negative or Gram-negative
adj.
Of, relating to, or being a bacterium that does not retain the violet stain used in Gram's method.
| gram-negative
Relating to a group of bacteria that do not change color when subjected to the laboratory staining method known as Gram's method or Gram's stain. Gram-negative bacteria have relatively thin cell walls and are generally resistant to the effects of antibiotics or the actions of the body's immune cells. Gram-negative bacteria include E. coli and the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, typhoid fever, rickettsial fever, cholera, syphilis, plague, and Lyme disease. Compare gram-positive. |