1. Plural of enterococcus; a genus of gram-positive bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals, some species of which can cause infections.
Usage: medical/scientific term; plural form; also used as a singular collective noun in some contexts

Examples

• Enterococci are commonly used as indicator organisms to assess water quality and sanitation.
• The patient's urinary tract infection was caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
• Enterococci can survive in harsh environmental conditions better than many other bacteria.
• Hospital-acquired infections involving enterococci have become increasingly difficult to treat.
• Testing for enterococci in drinking water helps ensure public health safety.