- Micrococcus
- Micrococcus Mi`cro*coc"cus, n.; pl. {Micrococci}. [NL. See
{Micro-}, and {Coccus}.] (Biol.)
A genus of {Spherobacteria}, in the form of very small
globular or oval cells, forming, by transverse division,
filaments, or chains of cells, or in some cases single
organisms shaped like dumb-bells ({Diplococcus}), all without
the power of motion. See Illust. of {Ascoccus}.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Physiologically, micrococci are divided into three groups; chromogenic, characterized by their power of forming pigment; zymogenic, including those associated with definite chemical processes; and pathogenic, those connected with disease. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.