coliform bacterium

 

Entry from US Dictionary

Pronunciation: /ˈkōləˌfôrm, ˈkäl-/

noun

  • a rod-shaped bacterium, especially Escherichia coli and members of the genus Aerobacter, found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. Its presence in water indicates fecal contamination and can cause diarrhea and other dysenteric symptoms. Also called colon bacillus.

Origin:

early 20th century: from modern Latin coli, specific epithet in the sense 'of the colon' + -iform + bacterium