Corynebacterial

/ˌkɔːrɪnɪbækˈtɪriəl/ adjective

Definition

Of, relating to, or caused by corynebacteria; affecting or involving these rod-shaped bacteria.

Etymology

From corynebacterium plus -al suffix meaning 'relating to' or 'of.' Standard adjectival form used in medical and microbiological literature.

Kelly Says

Corynebacterial infections were terrifying before antibiotics—diphtheria killed thousands, and doctors could only guess at treatment. Once they identified the bacteria and later discovered antitoxins and antibiotics, mortality rates plummeted. The word itself is younger than living memory of when these diseases were deadly.

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