bacteroid
/ˈbæktəˌrɔɪd/
noun
- A type of bacterium that lives in the root nodules of leguminous plants (like beans or clover) and helps convert nitrogen into a form the plant can use.
- Under a microscope, the bacteroid looks different from free-living bacteria.
- Farmers rely on bacteroids to naturally enrich the soil with nutrients.
- The bacteroid in the root nodules helps the soybean plant get the nitrogen it needs.
- Any rod-shaped bacterium.
- Some bacteroids can cause infections in humans.
- Rod-shaped bacteria are often called bacteroids in older textbooks.
- The scientist identified a bacteroid in the water sample.
adjective
- Relating to or resembling a bacterium, especially in shape or function.
- The bacteroid structure was visible under the electron microscope.
- These bacteroid cells are essential for nitrogen fixation.
- The lab technician noted the bacteroid appearance of the sample.