actinomycete

noun

ac·​ti·​no·​my·​cete ˌak-(ˌ)ti-nō-ˈmī-ˌsēt How to pronounce actinomycete (audio)
-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

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinomycete was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near actinomycete

Cite this Entry

“Actinomycete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinomycete. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

actinomycete

noun
ac·​ti·​no·​my·​cete -ˈmī-ˌsēt How to pronounce actinomycete (audio) -mī-ˈsēt How to pronounce actinomycete (audio)
: a bacterium (as an actinomyces or a streptomyces) of the order Actinomycetales see actinomycosis
actinomycetous adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on actinomycete

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