1. A genus of rod-shaped or filamentous bacteria that form branching filaments and are commonly found in the human mouth and digestive tract.
Usage: medical/scientific term; usually used in singular or plural form; often capitalized when referring to the genus
2. A bacterial infection caused by actinomyces species, characterized by chronic suppurative disease with draining sinuses and granules.
Usage: medical term; also called actinomycosis when referring to the disease

Examples

• Actinomyces israelii is the most common species associated with human infections.
• The laboratory identified actinomyces in the patient's oral cavity.
• Actinomyces species are anaerobic bacteria that thrive in oxygen-poor environments.
• The dentist explained that actinomyces can contribute to certain types of dental infections.
• Microscopic examination revealed branching filaments characteristic of actinomyces.
• Actinomyces infections typically respond well to prolonged antibiotic therapy.