[strep-tuh-kok-uh
s] 
[-kok-sahy, -see] . Bacteriology. | any of several spherical or oval bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, occurring in pairs or chains, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans, causing scarlet fever, tonsillitis, etc. |
| strep·to·coc·cus (strěp'tə-kŏk'əs) n. pl. strep·to·coc·ci (-kŏk'sī, -kŏk'ī) A round to ovoid, gram-positive, often pathogenic bacterium of the genus Streptococcus that occurs in pairs or chains, many species of which destroy red blood cells and cause various diseases in humans, including erysipelas, scarlet fever, and strep throat. |
A category of bacteria that can cause various infections in humans, including scarlet fever and strep throat.
streptococcus strep·to·coc·cus (strěp'tə-kŏk'əs)
n. pl. strep·to·coc·ci (-kŏk'sī, -kŏk'ī)
A bacterium of the genus Streptococcus.
Streptococcus n.
A genus of gram-positive, anaerobic, often pathogenic bacteria having an ovoid or spherical appearance and occurring in pairs or chains, including many erythrocytolytic and pathogenic species that cause erysipelas, scarlet fever, and septic sore throat in humans.