Yersinia Pestis (Noun)
Meaning
A bacillus bacterium that causes the plague; aerosolized bacteria can be used as a bioweapon.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Historically the most devastating epidemics of human civilization have been caused by Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague.
- Laboratories that work with Yersinia pestis have strict safety protocols to prevent accidental exposure and infection of researchers.
- The pathogenic properties of Yersinia pestis make it a prime candidate for aerosolization and weaponization as a biological agent.
- Throughout history, pandemics caused by Yersinia pestis have wiped out millions of people, often in the space of just a few years.
- Scientists have determined that Yersinia pestis typically enters the human body through bites from infected fleas or through direct contact with infected animals.