actinomyces

noun

ac·​ti·​no·​my·​ces ˌak-(ˌ)ti-nō-ˈmī-ˌsēz How to pronounce actinomyces (audio)
-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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'actinomyces.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinomyces was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near actinomyces

Cite this Entry

“Actinomyces.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinomyces. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Medical Definition

actinomyces

noun
ac·​ti·​no·​my·​ces ˌak-tə-(ˌ)nō-ˈmī-ˌsēz How to pronounce actinomyces (audio) ak-ˌtin-ō- How to pronounce actinomyces (audio)
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 adjective
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