Actinobacilli

/ˌæk.tɪ.noʊ.bəˈsɪl.aɪ/ noun

Definition

An alternative plural form of actinobacillus; rod-shaped branching bacteria in the genus Actinobacillus.

Etymology

From Greek 'aktis' (ray) + Latin 'bacillus' (rod). Uses the Latin -i plural ending instead of -us, reflecting scientific nomenclature flexibility.

Kelly Says

The word has two plural forms because it comes from Latin and was Anglicized—scientists might say 'actinobacilli' using classical Latin rules or 'actinobacilluses' using English rules, depending on the journal and tradition.

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