streptomycete

noun

strep·​to·​my·​cete ˌstrep-tə-ˈmī-ˌsēt How to pronounce streptomycete (audio)
-ˌmī-ˈsēt
: any of a family (Streptomycetaceae) of actinomycetes (such as a streptomyces) that form vegetative mycelia which rarely break up into bacillary forms, have conidia borne on sporophores, and are typically aerobic soil saprophytes but include a few parasites of plants and animals

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Streptomycet-, Streptomyces, genus name

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of streptomycete was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near streptomycete

Cite this Entry

“Streptomycete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streptomycete. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

streptomycete

noun
strep·​to·​my·​cete -ˈmī-ˌsēt, -ˌmī-ˈsēt How to pronounce streptomycete (audio)
: any actinomycete (as a streptomyces) of the family Streptomycetaceae
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!