Type of bacteria with round cells and may be in groups, bunches or long chains. They do not produce spores and may cause food poisoning.
A spherical-shaped bacterium.
A bacterium shaped like a ball.
A bacterium of spherical shape (from the Greek kokkos—a berry).
Cocci, round or generally round bacterium.
A bacterial type that is spherical or ovoid. When cocci appear singly, they are designated micrococci; in pairs, diplococci; in clusters like bunches of grapes, staphylococci; in chains, streptococci; in cubical packets of eight, sarcinae. Many are pathogenic, causing such diseases as strep throat, erysipelas, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, pneumonia, gonorrhea, meningitis, and puerperal fever.