Coccus meaning

Coccus is a bacterial cell that is spherical or ovoid in shape.


Coccus definitions

Word backwards succoc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division coc-cus
Plural The plural of the word coccus is cocci.
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) o,u
Consonants (2) c,s

Coccus is a spherical-shaped bacterium that can be found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and on the skin of animals and humans.

These bacteria are classified as Gram-positive, which means they have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall that retains the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process.

Characteristics of Coccus

One of the key characteristics of coccus is its shape, which can vary from round to oval. They can occur singly, in pairs (diplococci), in chains (streptococci), or in clusters (staphylococci).

Reproduction and Growth

Reproduction in coccus can occur through binary fission, where the bacterium divides into two equal parts. They can also form arrangements such as tetrads, sarcinae, and cubical packets as they grow and multiply.

Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known pathogenic coccus bacterium that can cause various infections in humans, ranging from skin infections to more severe conditions like pneumonia and sepsis.

Role in Nature

Coccus bacteria play essential roles in various ecosystems, such as nutrient recycling and nitrogen fixation. Some species of coccus are also used in food production, like creating fermented foods such as yogurt and cheese.

Understanding the characteristics and functions of coccus bacteria is crucial in both scientific research and everyday applications, from medicine to agriculture.


Coccus Examples

  1. The coccus bacterium is commonly found in clusters.
  2. The doctor identified the infection as a staphylococcus coccus.
  3. Under the microscope, the coccus appeared round and red.
  4. The coccus shape of the bacteria helped in its classification.
  5. The lab report indicated the presence of streptococcus coccus.
  6. The coccus species was resistant to certain antibiotics.
  7. The medical researcher studied the coccus morphology in detail.
  8. The bacteria's coccus structure made it distinct from other species.
  9. The coccus bacteria was causing the patient's illness.
  10. The coccus cells were multiplying rapidly in the culture.


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  • Updated 02/07/2024 - 22:59:53