actinomycosis

noun

ac·​ti·​no·​my·​co·​sis ˌak-(ˌ)ti-nō-mī-ˈkō-səs How to pronounce actinomycosis (audio)
-tə-nō-;
ak-ˌti-nō-
: infection with or disease caused by actinomyces
especially : a chronic disease of cattle, swine, and humans characterized by hard granulomatous masses usually in the mouth and jaw
actinomycotic adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Aktinomykose, from New Latin Actinomyces actinomyces + German -ose -osis

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinomycosis was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near actinomycosis

Cite this Entry

“Actinomycosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinomycosis. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

actinomycosis

noun
: infection with or disease caused by actinomyces
especially : a chronic disease of cattle, swine, and humans characterized by hard granulomatous masses usually in the mouth and jaws see actinomycoma

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