Definition

Relating to a type of bacteria known as Clostridium, which can cause various infections and diseases.

Example

The doctor diagnosed the patient with a clostridial infection after reviewing the lab results.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new outbreak of clostridial infections?

Yeah, I read something about it; it's pretty concerning.

It's alarming how quickly those clostridial bacteria can spread.

Definitely, we should all be more careful and informed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Clostridial is derived from "clostridium" (from Greek "kloster", meaning spindle), which refers to a genus of bacteria that are rod-shaped and often form spores. The suffix "-ial" (meaning relating to) indicates that it pertains to or is characteristic of clostridia. Thus, clostridial means relating to the clostridium bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of 'clostridium' as referring to spindle-shaped bacteria, and remember that 'clostridial' means relating to these bacteria.

Visually Confused Words