ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷(ˌ) ̷ ̷ˈmīˌsēz noun
Etymology: New Latin, from actin- + -myces
1. capitalized : a genus of filamentous bacteria (family Actinomycetaceae) including numerous soil-inhabiting saprophytes and various disease-producing plant and animal parasites that form a much-branched mycelium which may break up into segments functioning as conidia and which in lesions of the animal body may make up conspicuous rosettes of radiating clavate threads — see actinomycosis
2. plural actinomyces : a bacterium of the genus Actinomyces