Micrococci

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  micrococci
       See {micrococcus}