How Do You Spell MENINGOCOCCAL?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛnɪŋɡˌɒkɒkə͡l] (IPA)

Meningococcal is spelled /məˌnɪndʒəˈkɒkəl/, and refers to the bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The word is comprised of four parts: "mening," referring to the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord; "coccus," meaning round or spherical shaped bacteria; "al," meaning pertaining to; and "cal," denoting an adjective suffix. The complex spelling reflects the complex nature of the disease, which can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and can be fatal if left untreated.

MENINGOCOCCAL Meaning and Definition

1. Meningococcal is an adjective that refers to the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, commonly known as meningococcus, which causes inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal infection, also known as meningococcal disease, can lead to serious health complications, including meningitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

   The term "meningococcal" is often used to describe anything related to this specific bacterium or its associated diseases. For instance, the meningococcal vaccine is a preventive immunization given to protect against meningococcal infections. This vaccine provides immunity against several strains of the bacterium, as there are multiple serogroups or variations that can cause disease.

   Meningococcal infections can spread through respiratory droplets, particularly in close quarters, such as schools or college dormitories. Symptoms of meningococcal disease may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, and a characteristic rash. Prompt medical intervention is crucial when meningococcal infection is suspected, as the disease can progress rapidly and have severe consequences.

   Public health efforts, including vaccination campaigns and public awareness, have significantly reduced the incidence of meningococcal disease in many parts of the world. However, it remains a concern in certain regions, especially during outbreaks, and proper prevention strategies are important to limit the impact of meningococcal infections on global health.

Common Misspellings for MENINGOCOCCAL

• menigococcal
• menningococcal
• menangococcal
• Meningocorial

Etymology of MENINGOCOCCAL

The word "meningococcal" is derived from two main components: "meningococcus" and "-al".

"Meningococcus" refers to a type of bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis, which is known to cause meningitis. This term comes from the Greek word "meninx" meaning "membrane" and the Latin term "coccus" meaning "berry". This is because the bacterium typically appears as a round or oval-shaped berry-like structure when viewed under a microscope.

The suffix "-al" is added to "meningococcus" to form the adjective "meningococcal". The suffix "-al" in English is derived from the Latin suffix "-alis", which forms adjectives denoting "pertaining to" or "relating to". In this case, "meningococcal" describes something related to or associated with Neisseria meningitidis.