actinomycetes; ray fungus
A group of filamentous bacteria. The term is often used in microbiology. Note the similar term 放線菌 (ほうせんきん) is more common for this meaning; 放射菌 is a less frequent variant.
See also: 放線菌 (ほうせんきん)
Actinomycetes are widely distributed in soil.
This antibiotic was discovered from actinomycetes.
From 放射 (radiation) + 菌 (bacterium/fungus), referring to the radial, filamentous growth pattern of these organisms.