Definition

A type of thin, spiral-shaped bacteria that can move and are often responsible for diseases like syphilis and Lyme disease.

Example

The doctor explained that a spirochete is responsible for causing certain infections.

Conversation

Did you know that a spirochete is a type of bacteria?

Really? I had no idea what that was!

Yeah, they can actually cause diseases like Lyme disease.

That's kind of scary, I should probably read more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spirochete is formed from "spira" (from Latin, meaning coil or spiral) and "chete" (from Greek "chētos", meaning hair or bristle). The word describes a type of bacteria that has a spiral shape, resembling a coiled structure.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'spiral' ('spira') to remember that a spirochete is a type of bacteria that has a coiled or spiral form.

Visually Confused Words