coliform /kol″ifôrm/ [(E.) coli + L, forma, form] , 1. pertaining to the colon-aerogenes group, or the Escherichia coli species of microorganisms, which comprises most of the intestinal flora in humans and other animals. Presence of coliforms is used as a standard indication of water pollution with fecal matter. 2. having the characteristic of a sieve or cribriform structure, such as some of the porous bones of the skull.
