bacteria (as a taxonomic group)
Refers to bacteria as a broad biological category, often in scientific or educational contexts. Not typically used for a single bacterium; compare 細菌 (さいきん) for individual bacteria or the general concept.
Bacteria are classified as prokaryotes.
This antibiotic is effective against many types of bacteria.
Compound of 細菌 (さいきん, 'bacteria') and 類 (るい, 'kind, category'), literally 'bacteria category'. The term is used in biological classification.