Definition

1. Noun:
   • An order of higher bacteria: "Order Myxobacteriales" is a scientific term in microbiology and taxonomy. It refers to a specific taxonomic order within the class of bacteria known as the "higher bacteria." Members of this order are characterized by their unique social behavior, forming multicellular structures and moving collectively by gliding.

Usage Notes

• This term is highly specialized and used almost exclusively in scientific contexts, particularly in microbiology, bacteriology, and taxonomy.
• It is a proper noun; the first word ("Order") is often capitalized when referring to the formal taxonomic rank, and "Myxobacteriales" is always capitalized as it is a Latin-derived scientific name.
• In everyday language, one might refer to them simply as "myxobacteria" or "slime bacteria."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist studied the complex life cycle of Order Myxobacteriales.
  • Fruiting bodies are a distinctive feature of bacteria in Order Myxobacteriales.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: The term is used to classify and discuss a group of bacteria with shared characteristics. It sits within a hierarchy: Domain: Bacteria; Phylum: Proteobacteria; Class: Deltaproteobacteria; Order: Myxobacteriales.
• In Research: Often appears in academic papers, textbooks, and discussions about bacterial development, social behavior, or soil microbiology.
  • The research paper compared the genomic sequences of several families within Order Myxobacteriales.

Variants and Related Words

• Myxobacteriales (n): The core part of the term; often used synonymously with "Order Myxobacteriales" in scientific shorthand.
• Myxobacteria (n, plural): A common name for the bacteria belonging to this order. Also called "slime bacteria" or "gliding bacteria."
  • Myxobacteria are known for their predatory behavior.
• Myxobacterium (n, singular): A single bacterium of this order.

Synonyms

• Myxobacteria (when referring to the group of organisms).
• Slime bacteria (descriptive common name).
• Gliding bacteria (descriptive common name based on motility).

Related Phrases

• "Member of the Myxobacteriales": A phrase used to describe an organism classified under this order.
  • Myxococcus xanthus is a well-studied member of the Myxobacteriales.
• "Myxobacterial order": A less formal way to refer to the taxonomic group.
  • The myxobacterial order exhibits fascinating multicellular development.

Noun

1. an order of higher bacteria