Coliform Meaning
/kˈoʊləˌfɔrm/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf or pertaining to the bacteria that inhabit the intestines (especially the colon) of mammals.
nounSuch a bacterium.
Sentence Examples
Coliform bacteria indicate water contamination.
The presence of coliform was a concern.
The health inspector checked the water for harmful coliform bacteria.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Water testing revealed dangerous ____ bacteria in the town's supply.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The water was tested for ____ bacteria to ensure it is very safe.
Word Origin & History
From the genitive of Latin colon + -iform.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"By contrast, nonaerogenic coliforms in human feces were only 2.5 per cent of the total coliform strains examined"
— 1969 May 20, Edwin E Geldreich, “Applying bacteriological parameters to recreational water quality”, in Journal‐American Water Works Association:
"Differential biochemical or physiological characteristics which correlate with aerogenesis at elevated incubation temperatures will be adapted towards a fecal coliform procedure and towards converting a total coliform procedure under development to give a fecal coliform count as well."
— 1973, Water Resources Research Catalog - Volume 8, Issue 1, page 732:
"The three water samples for total coliform bacteria were 57,000 CFUs, 43,000 CFUs and 45,000 CFUs. (Colony-forming units, or CFUs, estimate the number of bacteria or fungal cells that have the ability to multiply in a sample.)"
— 2017 September 1, Susan Scutti, “Sewage, fecal bacteria in Hurricane Harvey floodwaters”, in CNN:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Water testing revealed dangerous ____ bacteria in the town's supply.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The water was tested for ____ bacteria to ensure it is very safe.