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coliform bacterium

Syllabification: (col·i·form bac·te·ri·um)

Pronunciation: /ˈkōləˌfôrm, ˈkäl-/

Entry from US Dictionary

Definition of coliform bacterium

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.