spirochete
/ˈspaɪrəˌkit/
noun
- A type of bacteria that has a long, spiral, or corkscrew shape and can cause diseases such as syphilis and Lyme disease.
- Scientists are studying how the spirochete moves through the body to find better treatments.
- Under the microscope, the spirochete appeared as a thin, twisting thread.
- The doctor explained that Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete transmitted through tick bites.