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Definition of listeria

listeria

/lɪˈstɪr.i.ə/
lis · te · ri · a
Plural:listerias
•
Adjective:listerial
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listeria Lexical Profile

listeria Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacterium of the genus Listeria, found widely in soil, water, and contaminated food products such as unpasteurized dairy and deli meats, with the species Listeria monocytogenes capable of thriving at refrigeration temperatures and causing severe foodborne illness.

2

A serious foodborne bacterial infection caused by ingesting Listeria monocytogenes, characterized by fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress, and posing severe risks of meningitis or sepsis in pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.

Example

"Public health officials issued an urgent recall of the soft cheese after several consumers contracted listeria."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for listeria

• Rhymes for listeria

• Nearby Words

listener
listenership
lister
listeria
listicle
listing
listless

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in Modern Latin in 1940 in honor of Joseph Lister (1827–1912), the British surgeon who pioneered antiseptic surgical practices.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Listeria. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/listeria
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