Myxobacterium is a term that refers to a group of bacteria with rod-shaped cells, which usually grow together in a jelly-like colony. The term "myxo" is Greek for "slime," which is fitting because these bacteria are known to produce a gelatinous matrix around their colonies. There are several other words that can be used as synonyms for "myxobacterium", including slime bacteria, gliding bacteria, and myxobacteria. These bacteria are commonly found in soil and aquatic environments, and they play an important role in nutrient cycling and the degradation of organic matter. Although they are not well known to the general public, myxobacteria have been the subject of intense research in recent years due to their potential as sources of novel antibiotics and other medically important compounds.