||Mi`cro*coc"cus (?), n.; pl.
Micrococci (#). [NL. See Micro-, and
Coccus.] (Biol.) A genus of Spherobacteria,
in the form of very small globular or oval cells, forming, by
transverse division, filaments, or chains of cells, or in some cases
single organisms shaped like dumb-bells (Diplococcus), all
without the power of motion. See Illust. of
Ascoccus.
&fist; Physiologically, micrococci are divided into three groups;
chromogenic, characterized by their power of forming pigment;
zymogenic, including those associated with definite chemical
processes; and pathogenic, those connected with disease.