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

Examples of candida in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Specifically, there is some evidence in clinical trials that the L. reuteri and L. fermentum probiotics in this product may defend against yeast infections (otherwise known as the vaginal overgrowth of candida albicans) and reduce urinary tract infection (UTI) reoccurrence in women. —Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2024

Overuse of topical steroids is most likely the cause of perioral dermatitis, however, it may also be caused by candida albicans, a yeast, which is a type of fungus, Cleveland Clinic notes, adding that fluoridated toothpaste, gum, or hormonal contraceptives, can also cause flare-ups. —Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 8 Sep. 2023

Fungal Rash Fungal rashes are skin infections caused by two specific types of fungi: tinea and candida. —Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023

For the most part, healthy people do not have to worry about invasive candida infections. —The Conversation, Fortune Well, 6 Apr. 2023

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

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