Lactobacillus acidophilus [L, lac, milk, bacillum, small rod, acidus, sour; Gk, philein, to love] , a bacterium present in the intestinal tract and vagina, as well as in milk and dairy products. The strain is used to manufacture a fermented milk product. Generally considered to be beneficial because it produces vitamin K, lactase, and other antimicrobial substances when ingested. See also acidophilus milk.
