Candida (family Cryptococcaceae) A genus of imperfect fungi which may have a yeast-like vegetative state, or may form a pseudomycelium or a true, septate mycelium. There are numerous species. Some have perfect states classified either in the Ascomycotina or in the Basidiomycotina. Some, particularly C. albicans, are normal components of the flora inhabiting the mouth and gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals and can sometimes cause disease (i.e. they can be opportunist pathogens). Other species are saprotrophic, occurring in soil, plant matter, etc.

can·di·da / ˈkandidə/ • n. a yeastlike, parasitic fungus (genus Candida, phylum Ascomycota) that can cause an infection (candidiasis) such as athlete's foot and vaginitis.

Candida (kan-di-dă) n. a genus of yeasts (formerly called Monilia) that inhabit the vagina and alimentary tract. C. albicans a small oval budding species primarily responsible for candidosis.
—candidal adj.

Candida Genus of yeasts that inhabit the gut. C. albicans can, under some circumstances, cause candidiasis (thrush).