bacillus
n. countablen. a type of bacteria that is shaped like a small rod. These tiny organisms are found almost everywhere in nature, including in soil and water.
n. a rod-shaped bacterium, typically belonging to the genus Bacillus. These prokaryotes are often motile and can form endospores, allowing them to survive in harsh environments.
The scientist identified a bacillus in the soil sample.
Certain species of bacillus are used in the production of antibiotics and other industrial enzymes.
While many bacillus strains are harmless or even beneficial to the ecosystem, some can cause serious infections in humans if they enter the bloodstream through a wound.
Learned borrowing from Latin bacillus (“little staff, wand”), diminutive of baculum (“stick, staff, walking stick”).