zoogloeahttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoogloea_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezoogloea, n.
Revised 2017

zoogloeanoun

Microbiology.
  1. 1.
    1861–
    In form Zoogloea: a genus of Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria (family Pseudomonadaceae), typically occurring in masses or films surrounded by gelatinoid material, and often found in water containing sewage or other organic matter; (also zoogloea) a bacterium of this genus.
    Valid publication of the genus name: H. Itzigsohn 1868, in Sitzungs-Berichte der Gesellschaft Naturforschender Freunde zu Berlin (19 Nov. 1867) 30/2.
    1. [1855
      He [sc. Cohn] proposes a new name for this form—Zooglœa, with these characters.
      Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science vol. 3 206]
    2. 1861
      He [sc. Cohn] finds sufficient support from analogy to warrant him in assuming a like history for them [sc. the remaining Vibrios] as for Zooglœa.
      A. Pritchard et al., History of Infusoria (ed. 4) 187
    3. 1867
      The spores of Zooglœa appear under a magnifying power of 300 to 480 as small points.
      Journal of Botany, Brit. & Foreign vol. 5 192
    4. 1914
      This zoogloea [sc. Zoogloea ramigera] is perhaps the most characteristic and important organism of this zone [of a sewage filter].
      Journal Econ. Biology vol. 9 129
    5. 1988
      Zoogloea is ubiquitous in organically enriched oxygenated waters.
      H. Stolp, Microbial Ecology iii. 80
    6. 2006
      The characterization of some of these epibionts as species of Zoogloea is problematic.
      Biological Bulletin vol. 210 75/2
  2. 2.
    1872–
    A mass or film of bacteria (sometimes with other microorganisms) surrounded by gelatinoid material. Frequently attributive.
    1. 1872
      As the nitrogenous food of Bacteria is consumed they gradually cease to multiply, and pass from the movable to the quiescent condition, during which they secrete an intercellular substance, and heap this up into palmella-like masses (zooglœa).
      Harper's Magazine August 469/2
    2. 1893
      In Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum they [sc. Rhizobia] are often collected into Zoogloeae.
      American Naturalist vol. 27 786
    3. 1901
      Cocci [of Micrococcus cyaneus] elliptical; form zoögloea.
      F. D. Chester, Manual Determinative Bacteriol. 109
    4. 1946
      The furthest tip of a hair is attacked, and in favourable conditions a small gelatinous mass of the bacteria develops soon thereafter. This is the zooglœa stage.
      A. Nelson, Principles of Agricultural Botany xvi. 344
    5. 2008
      The passage of water through a filter leads to the build-up of a zoogloea.
      New Scientist 28 June 89/4

zoogloea, n. was revised in June 2017.

zoogloea, n. was last modified in July 2023.