diphtheroid
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /dɪfˈθɛrɔɪd/
KK: /dɪfˈθɛrɔɪd/
adjective
Definition
Relating to or resembling a specific bacterial infection known as diphtheria.
Example
The doctor explained that the symptoms were diphtheroid in nature, indicating a possible infection.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of diphtheroid infections?
No, I haven't. What are they about?
They're related to bacteria that are similar to the one that causes diphtheria.
That sounds interesting! I should read more about diphtheroid bacteria.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bacillary
bacterial
pathogenic
Antonyms
nonpathogenic
harmless
benign
noun
Definition
A type of bacterium that looks similar to the one that causes diphtheria but does not produce the toxin associated with that disease.
Example
The doctor explained that the diphtheroid bacteria are often found in the throat but are not harmful like the diphtheria-causing bacteria.
Conversation
I was reading about bacteria, and I came across a term called diphtheroid.
Oh really? What does it refer to?
It's a type of bacterium that looks like the one causing diphtheria but isn't toxic.
Root Explanation
Diphtheroid → It is formed from "diphtheria" (from Greek "diphthera", meaning leather or hide) and the suffix "-oid" (meaning resembling or like). The word "diphtheroid" refers to something that resembles diphtheria, particularly in its symptoms or characteristics.
Memory Tip
Think of 'diphtheria' as a condition that has 'leather-like' symptoms, and '-oid' means resembling. This helps you remember that 'diphtheroid' refers to something that resembles diphtheria.
Visually Confused Words
diaphtherin