coliform

coliform

 [kol´ĭ-form]

pertaining to fermentative gram-negative enteric bacilli, sometimes restricted to those fermenting lactose, i.e., Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter.

coliform

(kō′lə-fôrm′, kŏl′ə-)

adj.

Of or relating to various gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria that ferment lactose, especially those such as E. coli that commonly inhabit the intestines of humans and other vertebrates.

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co′li·form′ n.

coliform

Of, or pertaining to, the bacterium Escherichia coli , which is present in countless numbers in the colon.

coliform

(of Gram-negative rod bacteria) normally inhabiting the colon, e.g. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella. See GRAM'S STAIN.