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.