noun
- A group of rod-shaped bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, used as an indicator of water or food contamination.
Usage: plural form; used in microbiology and public health contexts; technical/scientific term
Examples
- The water sample tested positive for coliforms, indicating possible contamination.
- Public health officials monitor drinking water for the presence of coliforms.
- Coliforms are commonly used as indicator organisms in food safety testing.
- The presence of fecal coliforms suggests recent sewage contamination.
- Laboratory technicians cultured coliforms to assess water quality.