leptothrix
noun
lep·to·thrix
ˈlep-tə-ˌthriks 
1
capitalized
: a genus of sheathed filamentous bacteria of uncertain taxonomic affiliation that often have the sheath encrusted with oxides of iron or manganese see leptotrichia
2
plural leptotrichia
ˌlep-tə-ˈtrik-ē-ə
also leptotriches
lep-ˈtä-trə-ˌkēz
: any bacterium of the genus Leptothrix
also leptotriches
lep-ˈtä-trə-ˌkēz
: any bacterium of the genus Leptothrix
Cite this Entry
“Leptothrix.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/leptothrix. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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