What is "acetobacter"

n. Any of the genus (taxlink Acetobacter species noshow=1) of acetic acid bacteria characterized by the ability to convert ethanol to acetic acid in the presence of oxygen, and used in the commercial production of vinegar.

Acetobacter is a genus of acetic acid bacteria. Acetic acid bacteria are characterized by the ability to convert ethanol to acetic acid in the presence of oxygen. Of these, the genus Acetobacter is distinguished by the ability to oxidize lactate and acetate into carbon dioxide and water. Bacteria of the genus Acetobacter have been isolated from industrial vinegar fermentation processes and are frequently used as fermentation starter cultures.