actinomycete

noun ac·ti·no·my·cete \-ˈmī-ˌsēt, -mī-ˈsēt\

Definition of ACTINOMYCETE

: any of an order (Actinomycetales) of filamentous or rod-shaped bacteria (as the actinomyces and streptomyces)

ultimately from Greek aktin-, aktis + mykēt-, mykēs

First Known Use: 1883

Medical Dictionary

noun ac·ti·no·my·cete \-ˈmī-ˌsēt, -mī-ˈsēt\

: a bacterium (as an actinomyces or a streptomyces) of the order Actinomycetales—see actinomycosis

—ac·ti·no·my·ce·tous \-mī-ˈsēt-əs\ adjective

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