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Definition of: staphylococcus
(staf′ə·lō·kok′əs) noun plural ·coc·ci (-kok′sī)
Any of a genus (Staphylococcus) of typically parasitic bacteria occurring singly, in pairs, or in irregular clusters; especially, S. aureus, an infective agent in boils, furuncles, and suppurating wounds. See illustration under BACTERIUM. [<NL <Gk. staphylos bunch of grapes + kokkos a berry]
—staph′y·lo·coc′cic (-kok′sik) adjective
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