Definition

A type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia and other infections, particularly in the lungs.

Example

The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection caused by pneumococcus.

Conversation

I read an article about how pneumococcus can cause pneumonia.

Really? I didn't know that was a common cause.

Yeah, it's surprising how many people get sick from it each year.

I guess it's important to stay informed about such bacteria.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pneumococcus → It is formed from "pneumo-" (from Greek "pneuma", meaning breath or lung) and "coccus" (from Greek "kokkos", meaning berry or seed). The word refers to a spherical bacterium that affects the lungs, hence its connection to breathing.

Memory Tip

Think of 'breath' ('pneumo-') and a 'small round shape' ('coccus') to remember that pneumococcus is a type of bacteria that affects the lungs.

Visually Confused Words