ˌmiksəˌbaktəˈrā(ˌ)lēz noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Myxobacter + -ales
: an order of higher bacteria having long slender nonflagellated vegetative cells that form colonies capable of creeping slowly over a layer of slime secreted by the cells, forming spores usually in distinct fruiting bodies, and living chiefly as saprophytes on substrates rich in carbohydrates