A family of gram-positive bacteria found in soil and dairy products and as parasites on animals and man. Several are important pathogens. ... (12 Dec 1998) ... 
Type: Term Pronunciation: mī′kō-bak-tē′rē-ā′ sē-ē Definitions: 1. A family of aerobic bacteria (order Actinomycetales) containing gram-positive, spheric to rod-shaped cells. Branching does not occur under ordinary cultural conditions. They are usually acid fast. They occur in soil and dairy produ...
[n] - a family of bacteria
family Mycobacteriaceae noun a family of bacteria