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Definition of strep

strep

/strɛp/
strep
Plural:streps
•
Adjective:streptococcal
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strep Lexical Profile

strep Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An acute bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A streptococcal bacteria, characterized by a severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes; strep throat.

Example

"The pediatrician swabbed the child's tonsils to test for strep before prescribing antibiotics."

2

Informal shortening of streptococcus, a genus of spherical, Gram-positive bacteria belonging to the family Streptococcaceae that typically grow in chains and include several species pathogenic to humans and animals.

Synonyms
View all synonyms for strep

• Rhymes for strep

• Nearby Words

strenuous
strenuously
strenuousness
strep
streptocarpus
streptosolen
stress

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as an informal clipping of 'streptococcus', which derives from Ancient Greek 'streptos' (twisted) and 'kokkos' (berry or grain), referring to the chain-like formations of the spherical bacteria.

Cite this Entry

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