credit risk. Probability of loss from a debtor's default. In banking, credit risk is a major factor in determination of interest rate on a loan: longer the term of loan, usually higher the interest rate. Also called credit exposure.
from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. An endospore is a dormant, tough, non-reproductive structure produced by a small number of bacteria from the Firmicute family. The primary function of most endospores is to ensure the survival of a bacterium through periods of environmental stress. They are therefore resistant to ultraviolet and gamma radiation, desiccation, lysozyme, temperature, starvation, and chemical disinfectants.
Since they're commonly called spores, some people think that bacterial endospores are associated with bacterial reproduction. Really, creation of an endospore is a survival mechanism used by bacteria to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Bacteria propagate when times are good. When times are bad, certain bacteria have the capability to shrink down and encrust critical cellular elements in a tough casing.