candida

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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

play \-də-d^əl\ adjective

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

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First Known Use: 1939

See Words from the same year

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noun can·di·da \ˈkan-dəd-ə\

1 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
2: any fungus of the genus Candida; especially : one (C. albicans) causing thrush
3: infection with fungi of the genus Candida : candidiasis Three to five days of careful treatment should cause the rash to subside. If it doesn't, the infant may have candida, a yeast infection that usually affects a larger area than diaper rash and makes the skin redder.—Carol Deasy Brown, Parenting, March 1994—see thrush, yeast infection