Entamoeba coli definition

Etymology

From scientific Latin terms describing one of two micro-organisms, with the genus name either Escherichia (after Theodor Escherich, who in 1885 discovered the bacterium) or Entamoeba (genus name for types of ameobas) and coli, genitive of the Latin word for colon.

Noun

E. coli

A group of gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia, that reside in the intestinal tracts of humans and many animals. Many strains of these bacteria are harmful and can cause food poisoning (urinary infections and enteritis).
Entamoeba coli, a non-pathogenic amoeba that resides in the gastrointestinal tract of some animals, including humans.

Adjective

E. coli

Of or relating to an infection caused by a pathogenic strain of E. coli.