actinomorphy (s) (noun) (no pl)
The pattern of radial symmetry in flowers: Actinomorphy can be exemplified by the rose in which the floral parts are divided into equal halves in more than one longitudinal plane.
actinomyces (s) (noun)
, actinomyces (pl)
One of several saprophytic, filamentous, anaerobic bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans and animals: Actinomyces
are known for causing diseases in humans and for the important role they play in soil ecology.
Actinomyces produce a number of enzymes that help degrade organic plant material, lignin and chitin. As such, their presence is important in the formation of compost.
actinomycete (s) (noun)
, actinomycetes (pl)
A bacteria that belongs to the order Actinomycetales: Some of the actinomycetes
are pathogenic for animals and humans.
Two types of actinomycetes are the eubacteria and the true bacteria which are in a large group of bacteria that have rigid wall cells or, flagella when they are motile.
The actinomycetes comprise a broad group of bacteria that grow slowly as branched filaments, as the ray fungus.
A reference to the actinomycetes: One actinomycetous characteristic of the group of bacteria is the slow development of growth with branched or radiated filaments.
actinomycosis (s) (noun)
, actinomycoses (pl)
An inflammatory bacterial disease of cattle and other animals, sometimes caught by humans, that resembles a fungus and causes swelling of the abdomen, chest, and especially the jaw: Actinomycosis
, a chronic disease of cattle, swine, and humans, is characterized by hard granulomatous masses, usually in the mouth and jaw.
It is also distinguished by deep, lumpy abscesses that extrude a yellow, granular pus through multiple sinuses.
This disease occurs worldwide, but is seen most frequently in those who live in rural areas.
Relating to actinomycosis: The actinomycotic inflammatory disease can arise in cattle, hogs, and sometimes in humans, is caused by microorganisms of the genus Actinomyces, and characterized by lumpy tumors of the mouth, neck, chest, and abdomen.
actinon (s) (noun)
, actinons (pl)
A radioactive isotope of radon: An actinon is created by the disintegration of actinium. It has a mass number of 219 and a short life span, or a half-life of 3.96 seconds.
actinoneuritis (s) (noun) (no pl)
Inflammation of a nerve or nerves (neuritis): Actinoneuritis
is the damaging of the nerves resulting from exposure to radium, X-rays, or other radioactive substances.
Actinoneuritis is a seldom used term for "radioneuritis" which is a neuritis or inflammation of a nerve accompanied by pain and sometimes loss of function from exposure to radiant energy.
actinophage (s) (noun)
, actinophages (pl)
A virus that causes infections in bacteria: A bacteriophage is an actinophage that transmits diseases to actinomycetes, the bacteria of the order Actinomycetales, and causes lysis, or the decomposition or disintegration of these bacteria.
actinopharynx (s) (noun)
, actinopharynxes (pl)
The gullet of a sea anemone: An acrtinopharynx exists in the solitary, and often colorful, sea animal with a squat cylindrical body topped by a ring of tentacles that attaches itself to rock or other nonliving material.
actinophone (s) (noun)
, actinophones (pl)
An instrument used for the production of sound by the action of ultraviolet rays: An actinophone is used for the creation of sound with rays involving the property or force in the sun's rays by which chemical changes are effected, as in photography.
A reference to the production of sounds that are created by chemical action: Since Joe was interested in the creation of noises, he decided to investigate and learn more about the actinophonic phenomena dealing with ultraviolet rays.
actinophore (s) (noun)
, actinophores (pl)
The bony element that supports the fin rays of fishes: An actinophore is found in the peripheral part of the skeleton that gives direct support to fin rays of the superclass Lyrifera that are the average type of fishes and selachians.
, more actinophorous, most actinophorous
In biology, referring to an organism bearing straight projecting spines: In Jane's biology book there was a photo of an echidna, also called a spiny anteater, which was an egg-laying mammal from Australia, and also had actinophorous quills covering the top part of its body.
actinopraxis (s) (noun)
, actinopraxes (pl)
A former term for radiology or the taking of X-rays: Medical technicians once used actinopraxis to make radiation examinations.