candida

noun

can·​di·​da ˈkan-də-də 

: 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

candidal

ˈkan-də-dᵊl 

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In the past, most invasive candida infections were caused by Candida albicans. —The Conversation, Fortune Well, 6 Apr. 2023

How dangerous are candida infections? —The Conversation, Fortune Well, 6 Apr. 2023

According to the Urology Care Foundation, a yeast infection is one of the most common medical annoyances that is caused by an overgrowth of the candida fungus. —Ashley Martens, Men's Health, 30 Mar. 2023

Petri dish of candida auris in a laboratory in Würzburg, Germany, on Jan. 23, 2018. —Linda Carroll, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2023

So there's cocci, there's this candida auris. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2023

However, researchers also cautioned that more studies were necessary before validating lavender’s use in candida infection. —James Robinson, Discover Magazine, 8 Dec. 2022

The first wash of its kind, Microbiome Balancing Cleanser is specifically formulated to support the health, balance & comfort of skin prone to bacterial & fungal folliculitis or cutaneous candida. —Essence, 20 Sep. 2021

There are a lot of different infections that can cause havoc on our nipples, such as bacterial infections, staph infections, fungal candida, and viral infections. —Maria Del Russo, Woman's Day, 3 Apr. 2020

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

candida

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

see thrush, yeast infection

candidal

-dəd-ᵊl 

adjective

candidal infection