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antibiotic substance derived from fungi or other organisms and used to destroy or prevent the growth of bacteria or other disease-causing organisms.
bacteria microscopic organisms that often play a role in the decay of living things, the process of fermentation, and sometimes in causing disease. Bacteria are each made up of only one cell, but different kinds of bacteria can take different shapes. These organisms live in all parts of the earth including oceans, deserts, glaciers, hot springs, and in the bodies of most living things. While some kinds of bacteria are dangerous, most kinds are useful because they help in the digestion of food, in the making of soil, in the creation of medicines, and in many other natural processes.
bacterium singular form of "bacteria." Bacteria are tiny living things made up of one cell each. Bacteria live in most living things and in all parts of the earth. Most bacteria are useful to people, but some are harmful because they can cause disease.
biodegradable able to be broken down by the action of living organisms such as bacteria.
biologist a scientist who specializes in biology. Biology is the study of living things, such as plants, animals, cells, and bacteria.
bioluminescence light given off naturally by certain kinds of insects, fish, or bacteria. The bioluminescence of fireflies allows them to blink on and off in the dark.
boil2 a swollen, painful sore that is filled with pus. A boil is an infection caused by bacteria.
culture bacteria or other microorganisms that are grown by scientists or doctors for use in tests and experiments. [1/4 definitions]
germ a microscopic organism, especially one that causes illness. Bacteria and viruses that cause diseases are called germs. [1/2 definitions]
lichen a living thing that is a fungus and a form of algae or special bacteria living together. The algae or the bacteria use photosynthesis to make food for the fungus. There are many kinds of lichens with different colors, such as green, gray, black, or red. They can look like scales, crusts, or branches. Lichens live on rocks and other places where there is no soil.
microorganism any life form so small that it can only be seen with a microscope. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, and many protozoans.
pasteurize to heat for a certain length of time. Food and drinks are pasteurized in order to kill most of the harmful bacteria.
penicillin a kind of mold that is used to make medicines. Penicillin kills some kinds of bacteria that cause diseases.
plaque a film of bacteria and saliva that forms on teeth. [1/2 definitions]
pneumonia a serious disease in which the lungs become swollen and painful and fill with liquid. Pneumonia is caused by viruses or bacteria.
purification the process of removing dirt, bacteria, or other unwanted elements; make pure. [1/2 definitions]
septic infected with harmful bacteria. [1/2 definitions]
sterile free of live germs or bacteria. [1/2 definitions]
strep throat an infection of the throat caused by a certain type of bacteria called "streptococcal bacteria." A person with strep throat will usually have a sore throat, painful swallowing, and a fever. Strep throat can be serious.
white blood cell a small blood cell with no color that helps protect the body against infections and bacteria.