actinomycete
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ac·ti·no·my·cete
noun \-ˈmī-ˌsēt, -mī-ˈsēt\Definition of ACTINOMYCETE
: any of an order (Actinomycetales) of filamentous or rod-shaped bacteria (as the actinomyces and streptomyces)
Origin of ACTINOMYCETE
ultimately from Greek aktin-, aktis + mykēt-, mykēs
First Known Use: 1883
ac·ti·no·my·cete
noun \-ˈmī-ˌsēt, -mī-ˈsēt\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of ACTINOMYCETE
: a bacterium (as an actinomyces or a streptomyces) of the order Actinomycetales—see actinomycosis
—ac·ti·no·my·ce·tous \-mī-ˈsēt-əs\ (audio pronunciation) adjective
actinomycete
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Any of a group of generally low-oxygen–utilizing bacteria identified by a branching growth pattern that results in large threadlike structures. The filaments may break apart to form rods or spheroidal shapes. Some actinomycetes can form spores. Many species occur in soil and are harmless to animals and higher plants; others are important disease-causing agents. For diagnostic purposes in human infections, the presence of sulfur granules is used.
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