actinomyces

[ak-tin-oh-mahy-seez, ak-tuh-noh-]

noun

Bacteriology.

plural

actinomyces 

1. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of actinomyces¹

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

Example Sentences

It takes much longer to treat actinomyces than most bacteria.

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Not only are these views deducible from clinical observation, but they have been proved by the positive inoculation of calves and smaller animals with actinomyces.

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

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Actinomycosis is a chronic disease due to the action of an organism somewhat higher in the vegetable scale than ordinary bacteria—the streptothrix actinomyces or ray fungus.

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

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