Thiobacteria is a term used to describe a group of microorganisms that are capable of utilizing sulfur compounds as an energy source. However, there are several synonyms to this word, each reflecting a different aspect of its characteristics and traits. Some of these synonyms include sulfur bacteria, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria, and sulfate-reducing bacteria. These names mainly highlight the type of sulfur compound these bacteria oxidize or reduce. Additionally, some other synonyms include chemolithotrophic bacteria and autotrophic bacteria, which emphasize the way these bacteria obtain their energy. Although these terms have subtle differences, they all refer to the same group of bacteria that are of crucial importance in biogeochemical cycling and environmental processes.