Bacterium

bak-tē′ri-um, n. , Bacteria , bak-tē′ri-a, n.pl. Schizomycetes, extremely small, single-celled, fungoid plants, single or grouped, reproducing rapidly by cro division or by the formation of spores, almost always a ociated with the decomposition of albuminoid substances, and regarded as the germs or active cause of many diseases.— ns. Bacteriol′ogist ; Bacteriol′ogy , the scientific study of bacteria. [Gr. baktērion , dim. of baktron , stick, staff.]