clostridium

 
Pronunciation: /klɒˈstrɪdɪəm/

noun (plural clostridia /-dɪə/)

Biology
  • an anaerobic bacterium of a large genus that includes many pathogenic species, e.g. those causing tetanus, gas gangrene, botulism, and other forms of food poisoning.
    • Genus Clostridium: typically rod-shaped and Gram-positive

Derivatives

clostridial

adjective

Origin:

modern Latin, based on Greek klōstēr 'spindle'