‖ staphylococcus Bacteriology.
(ˌstæfɪləʊˈkɒkəs)
Pl. -cocci (-ˈkɒksaɪ).
[mod.L., f. Gr. σταϕυλή bunch of grapes + κόκκος berry.]
A form of pus-producing bacteria composed of cocci grouped in irregular masses.
| 1887 Garnsey & Balfour De Bary's Lect. Bacteria 168 In the others the cells separate from the rows after division, and form aggregations which Ogston has compared with a bunch of grapes, and he has expressed the resemblance by the name Staphylococcus. 1895 Pop. Sci. Monthly Feb. 513 Organisms, such as..staphylococci. 1897 Trans. Amer. Pediatric Soc. IX. 191 A bacteriological examination..showed the staphylococcus in pure culture. |
| attrib. 1897 Allbutt's Syst. Med. II. 575 It is usually distinguishable from staphylococcus pus. 1901 Osler Princ. & Pract. Med. (ed. 4) 162 The common streptococcus and staphylococcus infection is as a rule first local. |
Hence
staphylococcal (
-ˈkɒkəl),
-coccic (
-ˈkɒksɪk)
adjs., pertaining to or produced by staphylococcus.
| 1900 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 5 May 72 Injections of staphylococcal toxins. 1904 Ibid. 10 Sept. 582 The pus from staphylococcic or tuberculous abscesses. |