Definition

A type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other illnesses in humans and animals.

Example

Eating undercooked chicken can lead to salmonella infection.

Conversation

I heard that undercooked eggs can carry salmonella.

Yeah, I've read about that too; it's pretty scary.

We should be careful when cooking with eggs, then.

Definitely! It's better to be safe than sorry.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Salmonella → The word is derived from the name of Theobald Smith, who discovered the bacterium, combined with the Latin suffix '-ella' (meaning small). The term refers to a small bacterium named after its discoverer.

Memory Tip

Think of the name 'Salmonella' as a small ('-ella') bacterium named after its discoverer, Theobald Smith, which helps you remember that it refers to a type of bacteria.

Visually Confused Words