streptomyces

noun

strep·​to·​my·​ces ˌstrep-tə-ˈmī-ˌsēz How to pronounce streptomyces (audio)
plural streptomyces
: any of a genus (Streptomyces) of mostly soil streptomycetes including some that form antibiotics as by-products of their metabolism

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from strepto- + Greek mykēs fungus — more at myc-

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of streptomyces was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near streptomyces

Cite this Entry

“Streptomyces.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streptomyces. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

streptomyces

noun
strep·​to·​my·​ces ˌstrep-tə-ˈmī-ˌsēz How to pronounce streptomyces (audio)
plural streptomyces
: any of various mostly soil bacteria including some that form antibiotics as by-products of their metabolism

Medical Definition

streptomyces

noun
strep·​to·​my·​ces -ˈmī-ˌsēz How to pronounce streptomyces (audio)
1
capitalized : the type genus of the family Streptomycetaceae comprising mostly soil actinomycetes including some that form antibiotics as by-products of their metabolism
2
plural streptomyces : any bacterium of the genus Streptomyces

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