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actinomyces

|ac-ti-no-my-ces|

C2

🇺🇸

/ˌæk.tɪ.noʊˈmaɪ.siːz/

🇬🇧

/ˌæk.tɪ.nəʊˈmaɪ.siːz/

branching bacteria

Etymology
Etymology Information

'actinomyces' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'aktis' meaning 'ray' and 'mykes' meaning 'fungus'.

Historical Evolution

'actinomyces' was derived from the Greek words 'aktis' and 'mykes', and eventually became the modern scientific term 'actinomyces'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to 'ray fungus', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a genus of bacteria.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a genus of gram-positive bacteria that form branching filaments and are found in soil and decaying organic matter.

Actinomyces are known for their role in soil ecology.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/30 07:21