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bac·te·ri·um
 bacterium
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- pronunciation:
- baek
ti
ri
 m
| part of speech: |
noun |
| inflections: |
bacteria |
| definition: |
A bacterium is a single bit or type of "bacteria." Bacteria are very, very small living things made up of one cell each. Bacteria live in most living things and in all parts of the earth. Most bacteria are useful to people. They are important in making soil and helping people to digest food, for example. Some bacteria are harmful, though, and cause disease.
"Tetanus" is a serious disease caused by a certain bacterium. |
| related words: |
bug, germ |
| derivations: |
bacterial (adj.), bacterially (adv.) |
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