myxobacterium
/ˌmɪksə(ʊ)bakˈtɪərɪəm/Microbiology
noun
Any member of the order Myxococcales (also called Myxobacterales), comprising rod-shaped, motile, slime-secreting bacteria that are capable of forming fruiting bodies containing resting cells, and which are mainly soil-inhabiting saprophytes and predators of other microorganisms.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Botanical Gazette. From myxo- + bacterium, after scientific Latin Myxobacteriaceae, family name. Compare German Myxobakterie.