candida

noun can·di·da \ˈkan-də-də\

Definition of CANDIDA

: any of a genus (Candida) of parasitic fungi that resemble yeasts, occur especially in the mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract where they are usually benign but can become pathogenic, and have been grouped with the imperfect fungi but are now often placed with the ascomycetes; especially : one (C. albicans) causing thrush

— can·di·dal \-də-d^əl\ adjective

Origin of CANDIDA

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, feminine of candidus

First Known Use: 1939

Medical Dictionary

candida

noun can·di·da \ˈkan-dəd-ə\

Medical Definition of CANDIDA

capitalized : a genus of parasitic fungi that resemble yeasts, produce small amounts of mycelium, occur especially in the mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract where they are usually benign but can become pathogenic, and have been grouped with the imperfect fungi but are now often placed with the ascomycetes

: any fungus of the genus Candida; especially : one (C. albicans) causing thrush

—can·di·dal \-dəd-^əl\ adjective