n :  a genus of nonmotile aerobic gram-negative usu. rod-shaped bacteria found esp. in soil and water including one (F. meningosepticum) that is found as a contaminant in hospitals and is associated with meningitis and septicemia esp. in newborn infants .
 
   
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.