Defn: See the Note under Microbacteria.
SPIROCHAETA; SPIROCHAETE
Spi`ro*chæ"ta, Spi`ro*chæ"te, n. Etym: [L. spira a coil + Gr. (Biol.)
Defn: A genus of Spirobacteria similar to Spirillum, but distinguished by its motility. One species, the Spirochæte Obermeyeri, is supposed to be the cause of relapsing fever.
SPIROGRAPH
Spi"ro*graph, n. Etym: [L. spirare to breathe + -graph.] (Physiol.)
Defn: An instrument for recording the respiratory movements, as the sphygmograph does those of the pulse.
SPIROMETER
Spi*rom"e*ter, n. Etym: [L. spirare to breathe + -meter.]
Defn: An instrument for measuring the vital capacity of the lungs, or the volume of air which can be expelled from the chest after the deepest possible inspiration. Cf. Pneumatometer.
SPIROMETRY
Spi*rom"e*try, n.
Defn: The act or process of measuring the chest capacity by means of a spirometer.
SPIROSCOPE
Spi"ro*scope, n. Etym: [L. spirare to breathe + -scope.] (Physiol.)