How to pronounce coliform
Say it like KOH-luh-form. Coliform has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce coliform. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOH
- luh
- form
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Coliform pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- formGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of coliform
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KOH-luh-fawm.
Other ways to say coliform
Coliform also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- KAW-luh-form /ˈkɔləˌfɔrm/
What does coliform mean?
- Of or pertaining to the bacteria that inhabit the intestines (especially the colon) of mammals.
- Such a bacterium.
Where does coliform come from?
From the genitive of Latin colon + -iform.
Questions about saying coliform
How do you pronounce coliform?
Say KOH-luh-form. The American pronunciation is /ˈkoʊləˌfɔrm/. In British English it is /ˈkəʊləˌfɔːm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in coliform?
Coliform has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOH). Broken into parts: KOH · luh · form.
Is coliform pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkəʊləˌfɔːm/ (KOH-luh-fawm).