Gram-negative

[ gram-neg-uh-tiv ]
/ ˈgræmˈnɛg ə tɪv /

adjective (often lowercase)

(of bacteria) not retaining the violet dye when stained by Gram's method.

Origin of Gram-negative

First recorded in 1905–10; see origin at Gram's method

Example sentences from the Web for gram-negative

British Dictionary definitions for gram-negative

Gram-negative

adjective

designating bacteria that fail to retain the violet stain in Gram's method

Medical definitions for gram-negative

gram-negative

adj.

Of, relating to, or being a bacterium that does not retain the violet stain used in Gram's method.

Scientific definitions for gram-negative

gram-negative

Relating to a group of bacteria that do not change color when subjected to the laboratory staining method known as Gram's method or Gram's stain. Gram-negative bacteria have relatively thin cell walls and are generally resistant to the effects of antibiotics or the actions of the body's immune cells. Gram-negative bacteria include E. coli and the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, typhoid fever, rickettsial fever, cholera, syphilis, plague, and Lyme disease. Compare gram-positive.