actinomyces

American

[ak-tin-oh-mahy-seez, ak-tuh-noh-] / ækˌtɪn oʊˈmaɪ siz, ˌæk tə noʊ- /

noun

Bacteriology.

plural

actinomyces

any of several saprophytic, filamentous, anaerobic bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans and animals.

Other Word Forms

actinomycetal adjective

Etymology

Origin of actinomyces

< New Latin (1877), equivalent to Greek aktino- actino- + mýkēs fungus ( see myco-)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It takes much longer to treat actinomyces than most bacteria.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2022

The danger therefore of the presence of actinomyces for healthy animals is a limited one.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

An abscess is thus formed discharging pus containing actinomyces grains.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

The actinomyces gain access to the bone through a carious tooth or through the gum.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

The actinomyces grains are, however, easily observed if the diseased tissue is carefully examined.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023