micrococci

pl. Plural of Micrococcus (q. v.). When occurring in bunches they are called Staphylococci; when united in couples, Diplococci; when in chains or chaplets, Streptococci. See these names. [BACTERIUM.] mi-crō-coc-cus, subst. [Pref. micro-, and Gr. kokkosa berry.] Bot. A genus of Schizomycetes, distinguished by the minute organisms being globular instead of linear. The species have been divided into three groups: (1) Chromogen ous; (2) Zymogen ous, producing various kinds of fermentation; and (3) Pathogenous, or those producing contagious dis eases. ( Griffith & Henfrey.) (a) An individual of the above genus; any spher ical bacterium.