micrococcus Meaning, Definition & Usage

Mi`cro*coc"cus noun

Etymology

NL. See Micro-, and Coccus.

Wordforms

plural Micrococci

Definitions

1. (Biol.) A genus of Spherobacteria, in the form of very small globular or oval cells, forming, by transverse division, filaments, or chains of cells, or in some cases single organisms shaped like dumb-bells (Diplococcus), all without the power of motion. See Illust. of Ascoccus. ✍ Physiologically, micrococci are divided into three groups; chromogenic, characterized by their power of forming pigment; zymogenic, including those associated with definite chemical processes; and pathogenic, those connected with disease.