A mineral is a naturally occurring substance, representable by a chemical formula, that is usually solid and inorganic, and has a crystal structure.It is different from a rock, which can be an aggregate of minerals or non-minerals and does not have a specific chemical composition.ommon distinguishing characteristics include crystal structure and habit, hardness, lustre, diaphaneity, colour, streak, tenacity, cleavage, fracture, parting, and specific gravity. More specific tests for minerals include magnetism, taste or smell, radioactivity and reaction to acid.
Define staphylo-. staphylo- synonyms, staphylo- pronunciation, staphylo- translation, English dictionary definition of staphylo-. pref. 1. Cluster; resembling a cluster: staphylococcus. 2. The uvula: staphyloplasty. combining form 1. uvula: staphyloplasty. 2. resembling a bunch of...
Staphylococcus: A group of bacteria that cause a multitude of diseases. Under a microscope, staphylococcus bacteria are round and bunched together. They can cause illness directly by infection or indirectly through products they make, such as the toxins responsible for food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. The best-known member of the staphylococcus family is Staphylococcus aureus.