actinomyces

noun

ac·​ti·​no·​my·​ces ˌak-(ˌ)ti-nō-ˈmī-ˌsēz 

-tə-nō-;

ak-ˌti-nō-

plural actinomyces

: any of a genus (Actinomyces) of filamentous or rod-shaped bacteria that includes usually commensal and sometimes pathogenic forms inhabiting mucosal surfaces especially of the oral cavity of warm-blooded vertebrates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Nestled within the dung and dirt was an actinomyces bacteria that issued prominent fungicidal activity against both Candida and Cryptococcus. —Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 1 Sep. 2015

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, from actino- actino- + -myces -myces

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

actinomyces

noun

ac·​ti·​no·​my·​ces ˌak-tə-(ˌ)nō-ˈmī-ˌsēz  ak-ˌtin-ō- 

1

capitalized : a genus of filamentous or rod-shaped gram-positive bacteria of the family Actinomycetaceae that includes usually commensal and sometimes pathogenic forms inhabiting mucosal surfaces especially of the oral cavity compare actinomycosis

2

plural actinomyces : a bacterium of the genus Actinomyces

actinomycetal

-ˌmī-ˈsēt-ᵊl 

adjective