1. Marked by numerous small rounded projections, often arranged in a row like a string of beads. 2. Applied to a series of noncontinuous bacterial colonies along the line of inoculation in a stab culture. 3. Denoting stained bacteria in which more deeply stained granules occur at regular intervals in the organism.
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bead·ed (bēdґəd) having the appearance of beads or a string of beads.Medical dictionary. 2011.