actinomycete

noun

ac·​ti·​no·​my·​cete ˌak-(ˌ)ti-nō-ˈmī-ˌsēt 

-mī-ˈsēt,

-tə-nō-;

ak-ˌti-nō-

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

Word History

Etymology

taken as singular of New Latin Actinomycetes, plural of Actinomyces actinomyces

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

actinomycete

noun

ac·​ti·​no·​my·​cete -ˈmī-ˌsēt  -mī-ˈsēt 

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

actinomycetous

-mī-ˈsēt-əs 

adjective