listeria
noun
lis·te·ria
| \ li-ˈstir-ē-ə
\
\
plural listeria
Definition of listeria
: any of a genus (Listeria) of small, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that do not form spores and have a tendency to grow in chains and that include one (Listeria monocytogenes) that causes listeriosis
A common germ found in many foods from raw vegetables to hot dogs, listeria can cause a sometimes fatal disease called listeriosis when present in large quantities.— Amy Barrett
also
: a disease or sickness caused by infection with this bacterium : listeriosis
Listeria symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. — Sierra Brown
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Examples of listeria in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some common symptoms of listeria infection Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions as well as fever and muscle aches Pregnant women may present symptoms differently. — CBS News, "Consumer Reports finds potentially deadly bacteria in pre-washed greens," 26 July 2019 In women, a listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, "Sandwiches and salads sold at Target, Fresh Market recalled over Listeria concerns," 20 July 2019 There's Alice, a goat who came to them in June and was paralyzed by a severe listeria infection. — Mike Argento, chicagotribune.com, "Woman finds ‘purpose’ caring for abused, discarded animals," 6 Aug. 2019 Ten brands of hummus distributed throughout the U.S. have been recalled over listeria concerns, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration said. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, "Hummus Sold Under 10 Different Brands Recalled Over Listeria Concerns," 17 July 2019 Pita Pal Foods LP issued the recall Monday for products made between May 30 and June 25 after listeria was found in the company's manufacturing facilities during a U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspection. — Maria Elena Vizcaino, Dallas News, "Hummus sold under brands including Buc-ee's and 7-Select recalled over listeria concerns," 17 July 2019 Kids and pregnant women are particularly at risk from exposure to salmonella, listeria and E. coli, which can cause severe intestinal problems. — Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, "Letters: Defending culling of geese; Culling angers Canadian; If the shoe fits…; Give that team a raise (7/10/19)," 10 July 2019 Sprouts Farmers Market has recalled its frozen spinach in 19 states, including Arizona, because of a potential listeria risk. — Molly Bohannon, azcentral, "Sprouts recalls frozen spinach for possible listeria risk," 18 June 2019 In 2015, three deaths linked to a listeria outbreak in Blue Bell ice cream led to a full product recall. — Alex Horton, Washington Post, "The Blue Bell ice cream licker spawned copycats. One man has now been charged.," 9 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'listeria.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for listeria
listeria
noun
lis·te·ria
| \ lis-ˈtir-ē-ə
\
\
Medical Definition of listeria
1
capitalized
: a genus of small gram-positive flagellated rod-shaped bacteria that do not form spores, are aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, and have a tendency to grow in chains and that include one (L. monocytogenes) causing listeriosis
2
: any bacterium of the genus Listeria
— called also listerella
Other Words from listeria
listerial
\ lis-ˈtir-ē-əl
\
adjective
\
adjective
listeric
\ -ik
\
adjective
\
adjective