splijtzwam

Compound of splijten (“to split, to divide”) +‎ zwam (“fungus, mushroom”). Calque of translingual Schizomycetes. Ultimately from Ancient Greek σχίζω (skhízō, “I split”) + plural form of μύκης (múkēs, “mushroom, fungus, mushroom-shaped objects”). Refers to bacteria's habit of multiplying by splitting.

• IPA^(key): /ˈsplɛi̯t.sʋɑm/

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• Hyphenation: splijt‧zwam

splijtzwam f or m (plural splijtzwammen, diminutive splijtzwammetje n)

1. (figurative) bone of contention, point of contention (cause of controversy or division)

   Synonym: twistpunt

2. (dated, microbiology) bacterium

   Synonym: bacterie