Definition of "bacilli" [bacilli]

• Plural form of bacillus. (noun)

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• "The poison excreted by the bacilli is the diphtheria bacilli's dangerous weapon against the human being, without which weapon they would be delivered over helplessly to the natural prophylactic power of the living human organism."
• "But it is as well to note that not only is the secretion of the lung called sputum dangerous by reason of its bacillary content, but that, according to the investigations of Flügge, even the smallest drops of mucus expelled into the air by the patient when he coughs, clears his throat, and even speaks, contain bacilli and can cause infection."
• "Just as little as it has any direct influence on the diphtheria bacilli, is it able to have any direct action, whatever, on the living body elements of the patient who either has, or is threatened with, diphtheria."