Coccaceae

/kɑkˈeɪsiː/ noun

Definition

A family of spherical or roughly spherical bacteria, including common genera like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.

Etymology

From coccus (Greek kokkos, meaning 'grain' or 'seed' because the cells look round) + -aceae (the Latin suffix for plant and bacterial families).

Kelly Says

Some of the most dangerous human pathogens—like MRSA and strep bacteria—belong to Coccaceae, showing that a simple round shape can hide lethal adaptations.

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