A bacillus believed to cause influenza; specifically the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae, now recognized as a cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and conjunctivitis, especially in children.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Medical Record.
Definition of influenza bacillus in US English:
influenza bacillus
noun
historical
A bacillus believed to cause influenza; specifically the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae, now recognized as a cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and conjunctivitis, especially in children.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Medical Record.