Oomycetes

plural noun

Oo·​my·​ce·​tes
¦ōəˌmī¦sētēz
: a subclass of parasitic of saprophytic fungi (class Phycomycetes) that includes water molds, white rusts, and downy mildews and that is distinguished from the Zygomycetes by having the gametangia usually differentiated into antheridia and oogonia and by producing oospores as a result of the sexual process
oomycetous
-təs
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from o- + -mycetes

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Oomycetes

Cite this Entry

“Oomycetes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Oomycetes. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!