bacterium occurring in clusters: a bacterium that typically occurs in clusters resembling grapes, normally inhabits the skin and mucous membranes, and may cause disease. These bacteria commonly infect the skin, eyes, and urinary tract, and some produce toxins responsible for septicemia and food poisoning. Genus Staphylococcus.
[Late 19th century. < modern Latin< Greek staphulē "bunch of grapes" + kokkos "berry"]
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