Aspergillus

views updated May 29 2018

Aspergillus (class Hyphomycetes) A form-genus of fungi that form a well developed, septate mycelium and in which conidia develop within phialids. Some species have perfect states classified in the Eurotiales. They are saprotrophic, but some can also cause disease in humans (see ASPERGILLOSIS).

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

Aspergillus

views updated May 29 2018

Aspergillus A family of moulds, important in the spoiling of stored nuts and grains because A. flavus produces aflatoxins. A. oryzae is grown commercially as a source of takadiastase.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

Aspergillus

views updated May 17 2018

Aspergillus (ass-per-jil-ŭs) n. a genus of fungi, including many common moulds, some of which cause infections of the respiratory system in humans. A. fumigatus the cause of aspergillosis.

A Dictionary of Nursing