Sphaerotilus

noun

Sphae·​rot·​i·​lus
sfə̇ˈrätᵊləs
: a genus of bacteria (family Chlamydobacteriaceae) having filaments that exhibit false branching and reproducing by both conidia and swarmers

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from sphaer- + Greek tilos fiber, from tillein to pluck

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Sphaerotilus

Cite this Entry

“Sphaerotilus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sphaerotilus. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!