bacillus
Definitions
A rod-shaped bacterium.
Any of a genus (Bacillus) of rod-shaped, gram-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic bacteria that form endospores.
Examples
The scientist identified the specific bacillus responsible for the patient's infection under the microscope.
A rod-shaped bacillus was found in the soil sample, prompting further investigation into its properties.
Synonyms
bacterium microbe germ microorganism pathogen microscopic organism