Bacilliform

/bəˈsɪləˌfɔrm/ adjective

Definition

Having the shape or form of a bacillus; rod-shaped or stick-like in appearance.

Etymology

From bacillus + -form (Latin forma, 'shape'). The suffix -form creates adjectives describing objects that resemble the root word in appearance.

Kelly Says

This word appears in medical descriptions of everything from bacterial cells to certain mineral crystals and even some parasites—anything with that characteristic elongated rod shape.

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