Definition

A type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and dysentery in humans and animals.

Example

Shigella is known to spread through contaminated food and water.

Conversation

Have you heard about the latest outbreak of shigella in the news?

Yeah, it's really concerning, especially for people with weak immune systems.

I know! It's crazy how quickly shigella can spread in crowded areas.

Exactly, we need to be more careful about hygiene and food safety.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shigella is derived from the name of the Japanese bacteriologist Kiyoshi Shiga, who discovered the bacterium in 1897. The suffix '-ella' is a diminutive form in Latin, often used in biological taxonomy to denote a genus or species. Therefore, Shigella refers to the genus of bacteria named after Shiga.

Memory Tip

Think of Kiyoshi Shiga, the scientist who discovered this bacterium, and remember that 'Shigella' is named in his honor, with '-ella' indicating a specific type of organism.

Visually Confused Words