Actinomycetous

/ækˌtɪnəmaɪˈsiːtəs/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or caused by actinomycetes, a group of bacteria that form branching filaments.

Etymology

From actinomycete (from Greek aktis meaning ray, plus myketes meaning fungus) plus the adjectival suffix -ous.

Kelly Says

Actinomycetes were once thought to be fungi because they grow in branching networks like mold—but they're actually bacteria, and they're responsible for the earthy smell of healthy soil.

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