Definition

A type of spherical bacteria that often appear in pairs and can cause diseases like pneumonia.

Example

The doctor identified the infection as being caused by a diplococcus.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of diplococcus?

I think I read about it in a biology class once.

Yeah, it's interesting how those bacteria can cause pneumonia.

Right? It's amazing how something so small can have such a big impact.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Diplococcus → It is formed from "di-" (meaning two) and "kokkos" (from Greek, meaning berry). The word "diplococcus" refers to a type of bacteria that appears in pairs, resembling two berries together.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('di-') berries ('kokkos') sitting next to each other — that's why diplococcus refers to bacteria that appear in pairs.

Visually Confused Words