diphtheroid

[ dif-thuh-roid, dip- ]
/ ˈdɪf θəˌrɔɪd, ˈdɪp- /

adjective Pathology.

resembling diphtheria, especially in the formation of a false membrane in the throat.

noun

any bacterium, especially of the genus Corynebacterium, that resembles the diphtheria bacillus but does not produce diphtheria toxin.

Origin of diphtheroid

First recorded in 1860–65; diphther(ia) + -oid

Words nearby diphtheroid

diphtheria, diphtheria antitoxin, diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, and pertussis vaccine, diphtheritic, diphtheritic membrane, diphtheroid, diphthong, diphthongia, diphthongize, diphycercal, diphyletic

Medical definitions for diphtheroids

diphtheroid
[ dĭf′thə-roid′ ]

n.

A local infection that resembles diphtheria, especially in the formation of a false membrane, but that is caused by a microorganism other than Corynebacterium diphtheriae. pseudodiphtheria
Any of various microorganisms resembling Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Other words from diphtheroid

diph′the•roid′ adj.