staphylococcus
n. (pl. staphylococci) any bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus, occurring in grapelike clusters, and sometimes causing pus formation usu. in the skin and mucous membranes of animals.
Derivatives:
staphylococcal adj.
Etymology: mod.L f. Gk staphule bunch of grapes + kokkos berry
Useful english dictionary.
2012.