How Do You Spell THIOTHRIX?

Pronunciation: [θˌa͡ɪə͡ʊθɹˈɪks] (IPA)

Thiothrix is a type of filamentous bacteria that lives in aquatic environments. The spelling of this word is based on the Greek roots "thio" meaning sulfur and "thrix" meaning hair or filament. The "thio" part is pronounced as "θaɪoʊ" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) which represents the "th" sound in "thin" and the "o" as in "go." The "thrix" part is pronounced as "θrɪks" which represents the "th" sound in "thin" and the "r" as in "red." Together, the word is pronounced as "θaɪoʊθrɪks."

THIOTHRIX Meaning and Definition

1. Thiothrix is a genus of filamentous bacteria that belongs to the family Thiotrichaceae. These bacteria are Gram-negative and can be found in various aquatic environments, particularly in freshwater and marine habitats.

   The characteristic feature of Thiothrix bacteria is the formation of long, filamentous chains of cells. These filaments have a distinctive twisted or spiral shape, which gives the bacteria its name, as "thio" refers to sulfur and "thrix" means hair-like structure. The filaments are composed of individual rod-shaped cells that are attached end to end. Thiothrix bacteria are known to possess gliding motility, allowing them to move along surfaces in their environment.

   Thiothrix bacteria are chemolithotrophs, meaning they obtain their energy by oxidizing inorganic compounds. Specifically, they are sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, deriving energy from the oxidation of sulfur or sulfur compounds. This metabolic process is important in sulfur cycling within aquatic ecosystems.

   Thiothrix bacteria play a key role in wastewater treatment, as they are involved in the removal of excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from water bodies. They form part of the biofilm in sewage treatment plants, where they help to break down organic matter and convert nitrogen and phosphorus into less harmful forms.

   In summary, Thiothrix is a genus of filamentous, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria found in aquatic environments, known for their distinctive spiral shape and gliding motility. They are important for nutrient removal in wastewater treatment processes.

2. A genus of Chlamydobacteriaceoe, which includes those in which the cells contain sulphur granules.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for THIOTHRIX

• rhiothrix
• fhiothrix
• ghiothrix
• yhiothrix
• 6hiothrix
• 5hiothrix
• tgiothrix
• tbiothrix
• tniothrix
• tjiothrix
• tuiothrix
• tyiothrix
• thuothrix
• thjothrix
• thkothrix
• thoothrix
• th9othrix
• th8othrix
• thiithrix
• thikthrix

Etymology of THIOTHRIX

The word "Thiothrix" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "thio" (θεῖο), meaning "sulfur", and "thrix" (θρίξ), meaning "hair" or "filament". Thus, the term "Thiothrix" refers to the filamentous sulfur bacteria belonging to the Thiotrichaceae family.