1. A rod-shaped bacterium that produces lactic acid, found in fermented foods and the human digestive system, often used in probiotics.
Usage: scientific/medical term; usually capitalized when referring to the genus (Lactobacillus); commonly used in nutrition and health contexts

Examples

• Lactobacillus is a key ingredient in yogurt and other fermented dairy products.
• The doctor recommended a probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus to improve digestive health.
• Lactobacillus bacteria help break down lactose in milk during fermentation.
• Many people consume lactobacillus through foods like kefir and sauerkraut.
• The human gut naturally contains several species of lactobacillus.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most commonly studied strains in probiotic research.