Resembling bacteria in form or appearance; bacteria-like in structure.
From bacteria + -oid (from Greek 'eidos' meaning form or appearance). Used to describe structures or organisms that look similar to bacteria but may not actually be true bacteria.
Scientists sometimes find 'bacterioid' structures in ancient fossils or extreme environments that LOOK like bacteria under the microscope but are something completely different—it's a reminder to dig deeper than appearances!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.