Enterococcal

/ˌɛntəroʊˈkɒkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or caused by enterococci, which are bacteria commonly found in the human intestines.

Etymology

From 'enterococcus' (a bacterium) plus the suffix '-al' (relating to). These bacteria were identified and named in the early 1900s because they live specifically in the intestines ('entero-').

Kelly Says

Enterococci are part of your normal gut bacteria, but they can cause infections if they escape into the bloodstream or urinary tract—so the same bacteria can be helpful or harmful depending on location!

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