Enterobacterium

/ˌɛntərəbækˈtɪəriəm/ noun

Definition

A single bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, which naturally live in intestines.

Etymology

From 'entero-' (intestine) + 'bacterium' (singular of bacteria). Combines Greek 'enteron' with Greek 'bakteron' (little rod), creating a Latinized scientific name.

Kelly Says

Scientific naming lets researchers be incredibly specific—one 'enterobacterium' could be E. coli, Salmonella, or Klebsiella, each very different, yet they share enough traits that grouping them under one family name is useful.

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