A spore-forming bacillus that may survive disinfection or sterilization. Its presence on a clinical instrument or surface is used as an indicator of inadequate sterility. See also: Bacillus
Ba·cil·lus ste·a·ro·ther·moph·i·lus
(ba-sil-ŭs stēăr-ō-thĕr-mofi-lŭs) A species in the genus Bacillus used as an indicator organism when testing the effectiveness of sterilization.