basidiomycete

noun ba·sid·io·my·cete \bə-ˌsi-dē-ō-ˈmī-ˌsēt, -ˌmī-ˈsēt\

Definition of BASIDIOMYCETE

: any of a group of higher fungi that have septate hyphae and spores borne on a basidium, that include rusts, smuts, mushrooms, and puffballs, and that are variously considered to comprise a class (Basidiomycetes), a subdivision (Basidiomycotina), or a division (Basidiomycota)

— ba·sid·io·my·ce·tous \-dē-ō-ˌmī-ˈsē-təs\ adjective

Origin of BASIDIOMYCETE

ultimately from New Latin basidium + Greek mykēt-, mykēs fungus; akin to Greek myxa mucus — more at mucus

First Known Use: 1899

Medical Dictionary

basidiomycete

noun ba·sid·io·my·cete \bə-ˌsid-ē-ō-ˈmī-ˌsēt, -ˌmī-ˈsēt\

Medical Definition of BASIDIOMYCETE

: any of a group of higher fungi that have septate hyphae and spores borne on a basidium produced directly from the mycelium or as an outgrowth of a spore, that include rusts, smuts, and numerous edible forms (as many mushrooms), and that are variously considered to comprise a class (Basidiomycetes), a subdivision (Basidiomycotina), or a division (Basidiomycota)

—ba·sid·io·my·ce·tous \-mī-ˈsēt-əs\ adjective