lis·te·ri·a / liˈstirēə/ • n. a type of bacterium (Listeria monocytogenes) that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals through contaminated food. ∎ inf. food poisoning or other disease caused by infection with listeria; listeriosis.

Listeria A genus of rod-shaped aerobic motile Gram-positive bacteria. Only one species, L. monocytogenes, causes disease (listeriosis). It is resistant to physical and chemical treatments and can occur as a contaminant in certain foods, in faeces, etc. Listeriosis can take various forms, depending on the site of infection: localization in the central nervous system causes meningoencephalitis, while uterine infection can result in abortion or congenital handicap in the fetus.

Listeria A genus of bacteria commonly found in soil of which the commonest is Listeria monocytogenes. They can cause food poisoning (listeriosis). Listeria species are especially found in unwashed vegetables and unpasteurized soft cheeses; they resist cold and the presence of salt and can multiply in a refrigerator. Symptoms of listeriosis are flu‐like, with high fever and dizziness. Pregnant women, babies, and the elderly are especially at risk.

Listeria (lis-teer-iă) n. a genus of Gram-positive aerobic motile rodlike bacteria that are parasites of warm-blooded animals. L. monocytogenes a species that, if transmitted to humans by eating infected animal products, may cause listeriosis, especially in the frail, ranging from influenza-like symptoms to meningoencephalitis. In pregnant women it may terminate the pregnancy or damage the fetus.