staphylococcus

 
Pronunciation: /ˌstafɪlə(ʊ)ˈkɒkəs/

noun (plural staphylococci /-ˈkɒk(s)ʌɪ, -ˈkɒk(s)iː/)

  • a bacterium of a genus that includes many pathogenic kinds that cause pus formation, especially in the skin and mucous membranes.
    • Genus Staphylococcus; Gram-positive cocci in clusters

Derivatives

staphylococcal

adjective

Origin:

modern Latin, from Greek staphulē 'bunch of grapes' + kokkos 'berry'