Coliforms

/ˈkoʊlɪfɔːrmz/ noun

Definition

Plural of coliform; multiple types or instances of bacteria used to detect fecal contamination in water and food.

Etymology

Plural form of 'coliform,' formed by adding the standard English plural suffix '-s' to the singular noun.

Kelly Says

Water companies test for coliforms before they let water reach your tap—finding them is like finding a red flag that means 'something went wrong in the water system, investigate immediately!'

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