Micrococcus

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

Micrococcus
    n 1: type genus of the family Micrococcaceae [syn:
         {Micrococcus}, {genus Micrococcus}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Micrococcus \Mi`cro*coc"cus\, n.; pl. {Micrococci}. [NL. See
   {Micro-}, and {Coccus}.] (Biol.)
   A genus of {Spherobacteria}, in the form of very small
   globular or oval cells, forming, by transverse division,
   filaments, or chains of cells, or in some cases single
   organisms shaped like dumb-bells ({Diplococcus}), all without
   the power of motion. See Illust. of {Ascoccus}.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: Physiologically, micrococci are divided into three
         groups; chromogenic, characterized by their power of
         forming pigment; zymogenic, including those associated
         with definite chemical processes; and pathogenic, those
         connected with disease.
         [1913 Webster]