/ bækˈtɪəriə; NAmE -ˈtɪr-/ noun
[ pl. ] ( sing. bac·ter·ium / -iəm; NAmE /) the simplest and smallest forms of life. Bacteria exist in large numbers in air, water and soil, and also in living and dead creatures and plants, and are often a cause of disease
► bac·ter·ial / -riəl; NAmE / adjective :
bacterial infections / growth