You searched for: “actinomyces
actinomyces (s) (noun), actinomyces (pl)
One of several saprophytic, filamentous, anaerobic bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans and animals: Actinomyces are known for causing diseases in humans and for the important role they play in soil ecology.

Actinomyces produce a number of enzymes that help degrade organic plant material, lignin and chitin. As such, their presence is important in the formation of compost.

This entry is located in the following units: actino-, actin-, actini-, -actinal, actis- + (page 4) myco- (page 1)