bacterioscopy

[Eng., ., bac terium, and Gr. σκοπεῖν ( skopein ) = to view.] Biol. The microscopical examination of microbes. băc-tër-i-ŭm (pl. bắc-tër-i-a), s. [Mod. Lat. from Gr. βακτήριον ( bakterion ) = dim. from βάκτρον ( baktron ) = a staff. The word is thus akin to bacillus (q.v.).] 1. A genus of Schizomycetous Fungi consisting of one elliptical or cylindrical cell, or two such cells joined end to end, and capable of automatic motion, B. termo occurs in animal and vegetable infusions. (No plural in this sense.) 2. Any individual of this genus. 3. A microbe; a Schizomycetous Fungus; one of the minute organisms which cause putrefaction, and are found a ociated with certain diseases, of which they are considered to be the cause.