blastomycete: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Rare / TechnicalTechnical / Scientific / Medical
Quick answer
What does “blastomycete” mean?
a fungus that reproduces by budding and is classified in the former taxon Blastomycetes, which included yeasts and similar fungi.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a fungus that reproduces by budding and is classified in the former taxon Blastomycetes, which included yeasts and similar fungi.
In medical contexts, often refers specifically to pathogenic fungi of the genus Blastomyces, which can cause blastomycosis, a respiratory and systemic infection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciations may vary slightly.
Connotations
Exclusively scientific/medical; no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “blastomycete” in a Sentence
The [specimen/sample] contained a blastomycete.Blastomycete [was/were] identified in the culture.Infection with a blastomyceteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blastomycete” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- blastomycete fungi
- a blastomycete organism
American English
- blastomycete cultures
- blastomycete morphology
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in mycology, microbiology, and medical pathology texts and journals.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Precise term in fungal taxonomy and diagnostic medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blastomycete”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blastomycete”
- Mispronouncing the 'mycete' part as /maɪˈsiːt/ instead of /ˈmaɪsiːt/.
- Using it as a general term for any fungus.
- Confusing it with 'ascomycete' or 'basidiomycete', which are different fungal classes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Some species, like Blastomyces dermatitidis, are pathogenic and can cause a serious disease called blastomycosis, primarily affecting the lungs and sometimes spreading.
No, individual blastomycete cells or yeast forms are microscopic. However, when cultured in a lab, they grow into visible colonies.
No, it is a highly specialized technical term used almost exclusively by mycologists, microbiologists, and medical professionals.
All blastomycetes are yeast-like, but the term 'blastomycete' is an older taxonomic grouping. Medically, 'blastomycete' often specifies the dimorphic, pathogenic genus Blastomyces, whereas 'yeast' is a broader morphological term for unicellular fungi.
a fungus that reproduces by budding and is classified in the former taxon Blastomycetes, which included yeasts and similar fungi.
Blastomycete is usually technical / scientific / medical in register.
Blastomycete: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblastə(ʊ)ˈmʌɪsiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæstoʊˈmaɪsit/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BLAST (like an explosion of cells) + O + MYCETE (relating to fungus). A fungus that 'blasts' or buds off new cells.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; term is purely taxonomic/clinical.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'blastomycete' primarily used?