Bacterium

/bækˈtɪr.i.əm/ noun

Definition

A single-celled, microscopic organism without a nucleus; the singular form of bacteria.

Etymology

From Greek bakterion meaning 'small staff or rod,' from the shape under early microscopes. The plural 'bacteria' is also from Greek.

Kelly Says

Your body contains about the same number of bacterial cells as human cells, and you'd die without them—your gut bacteria manufacture vitamins, train your immune system, and even influence your mood!

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