szczep

Szczep is a Polish noun with several related meanings centered on the idea of a distinct lineage or graft. In biology, microbiology, and virology, szczep denotes a biologically distinct lineage derived from a single ancestor, such as a bacterial strain or a viral strain. The term is used to distinguish different strains within a species for research, surveillance, or clinical purposes, and a szczep may differ in genotype or phenotype, affecting properties like virulence, antigenicity, or antibiotic resistance. In clinical and scientific writing, phrases such as szczep bakteryjny or szczep wirusa are common.

In horticulture and forestry, szczep refers to a graft—the act of joining a bud or scion to a rootstock to propagate desirable traits. The process is called szczepienie, and the resulting plant part may be referred to as a szczep. This usage emphasizes the practical combination of genetic material from two plants to achieve improved growth, resilience, or fruiting.

In everyday language, szczep can also carry the sense of a clone or a line in breeding programs, particularly when discussing agricultural or laboratory organisms. The term thus spans both genetic lineage in microorganisms and grafting in plants, reflecting its roots in the concept of a distinct, propagable unit.

Etymology and usage notes: szczep is primarily a Polish term used in scientific and horticultural contexts. When translating to English, the closest equivalents are strain (in microbiology) and graft or scion (in horticulture). See also szczepionka (vaccine), szczepienie (grafting or inoculation), and klon (clone).