tubercle bacillus

noun

: a bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that is a major cause of tuberculosis

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of tubercle bacillus was in 1882

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“Tubercle bacillus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tubercle%20bacillus. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

tubercle bacillus

noun

: a bacterium of the genus Mycobacterium (M. tuberculosis) that causes tuberculosis in humans

also : a related mycobacterium (M. bovis) that causes tuberculosis in cattle and sometimes humans especially in underdeveloped countries

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tubercle bacillus

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near tubercle bacillus

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition