Definition of Coliform
1. Adjective. Of or pertaining to the bacteria that inhabit the intestines (especially the colon) of mammals ¹
2. Noun. Such a bacterium ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Coliform
1. a bacillus of the colon [n -S]
Medical Definition of Coliform
1.
Gram-negative, nonsporing, facultative rod-shaped bacteria that ferment lactose with gas formation within 48 hours at 35 degrees C. They are generally small, gram-negative, bacilliform (shaped like rods), facultative anaerobes and they include strains such as Escherichia, Kelbsiella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter. They are useful for measuring the amount of water pollution by faeces.
Examples of coliform bacteria are members in the genera Escherichia (E. Coli), Klebsiella (K. Pneumoniae), Enterobacter (E. Cloacai), and Citrobacter (C. Freundii).
(13 Oct 1997)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Coliform
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