an infection caused by certain actinomycetes, that may result in bony degeneration of the jaws, and abscesses in the lungs, intestines, etc. of humans and other mammals
See actinomycosis in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(ăkˌtə-nō-mī-kōˈsĭs)
noun
An inflammatory disease of cattle, hogs, and sometimes humans, caused by microorganisms of the genus Actinomyces and characterized by lumpy tumors of the mouth, neck, chest, and abdomen. Also called lumpy jaw.