Actinomyces
/ˌaktɪnə(ʊ)ˈmʌɪsiːz/Microbiology
noun
A genus of Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria with rod-shaped and branching filamentous forms, which form part of the normal mucosal flora in mammals but may cause opportunistic infections. Also (in form actinomyces): a bacterium of this genus (also called ray fungus).
Origin
Late 19th century. From scientific Latin Actinomyces, genus name from classical Latin actīno- + scientific Latin myces.