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bacteria means bacteria — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 1, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

bacteria

noun • /[bak-TE-ria]/

bacteria

Example:

La bacteria causa infección.

The bacteria causes infection.

🧠 What does bacteria mean?

Bacteria refers to a domain of single-celled microorganisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. These microscopic organisms are found in nearly every habitat on Earth, including soil, water, air, and within other organisms. While many bacteria are harmless or even beneficial, some are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease in humans, animals, and plants. In a medical context, understanding bacteria is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases.

📚 Extra examples

  • Los antibióticos se usan para combatir las infecciones causadas por bacterias.
    Antibiotics are used to combat infections caused by bacteria.
  • Una muestra de sangre fue enviada al laboratorio para identificar la bacteria responsable de la fiebre.
    A blood sample was sent to the laboratory to identify the bacteria responsible for the fever.
  • La higiene es fundamental para prevenir la propagación de bacterias dañinas.
    Hygiene is fundamental to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
  • Algunas bacterias en el intestino son beneficiosas para la digestión.
    Some bacteria in the gut are beneficial for digestion.

💡 Did You Know?

While the English word 'bacteria' is a loanword from Latin, the Spanish word 'bacteria' is also directly derived from the same Latin root. It is one of those rare cases where the spelling and meaning are virtually identical in both languages.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "bacteria"

Synonyms: microbio, germen
Opposites: virus

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'bacteria' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'bacteria' is 'bacteria'.
How do you pronounce 'bacteria' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is roughly 'bahk-TEH-ree-ah'. The emphasis is on the second syllable.
How do you use 'bacteria' in a sentence?
'Bacteria' is used similarly to its English counterpart, referring to the microorganisms themselves. For example, 'La bacteria puede causar una infección.' (The bacteria can cause an infection.)
What is the English translation of 'bacteria'?
The English translation of 'bacteria' is 'bacteria'.
Does 'bacteria' change for gender or number?
In Spanish, 'bacteria' is a feminine noun. While it can refer to a single bacterium (singular), the word 'bacteria' is most commonly used in the plural sense to refer to these microorganisms collectively, mirroring the English usage. The singular form 'una bacteria' (a bacterium) is also used when referring to a single entity.
Is 'bacteria' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'bacteria' is a common word in everyday Spanish, especially in contexts related to health, food safety, and the environment.
Does 'bacteria' have slang or double meanings?
The word 'bacteria' itself does not typically have slang or double meanings in Spanish. Its usage is generally literal, referring to the microorganisms.
Is 'bacteria' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'bacteria' and its usage are consistent across Spain and Latin America. The scientific and medical meaning is universally understood.

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