Streptococcus

noun

1. Any of various round gram-positive bacteria of the genus Streptococcus that occur in pairs or chains and can cause various infections in humans, including strep throat, erysipelas, and scarlet fever.
2. A genus of bacteria belonging to the family Coccaceæ. The cells are spherical, frequently forming chains; flagella are wanting. Division is in but one direction. The species are mostly associated with pathogenic conditions of animal tissues. S. pyogenes is a common pus-forming species.
3. A bacterium of the genus Streptococcus.
4. A long or short chain of micrococci, more or less curved.
5. A spherical, gram-positive bacterium of the genus Streptococcus. Although commonly found benignly in the human mouth and gut, and though many species are non-pathogenic, other species can cause diseases including strep throat and more serious conditions.