candida: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Medical, healthcare, informal health discussions.
Quick answer
What does “candida” mean?
A genus of yeast-like fungi, some species of which can cause infections (candidiasis) in humans.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genus of yeast-like fungi, some species of which can cause infections (candidiasis) in humans.
Commonly refers to the yeast infection (thrush) caused by fungi of this genus, typically affecting the mouth, skin, or genital areas. In broader health and wellness contexts, it may refer to a theory of systemic overgrowth linked to various symptoms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The medical term is identical. The common name for the oral infection is 'oral thrush' in both, but 'thrush' is slightly more common in UK general use.
Connotations
Identical medical connotations. In alternative medicine contexts, the term is used similarly.
Frequency
Similar frequency in medical contexts. Slightly higher general public awareness in the UK due to NHS public health information on thrush.
Grammar
How to Use “candida” in a Sentence
suffer from + candidadiagnosed with + candidatest positive for + candidatreated for + candidaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “candida” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The candida culture was positive.
- She follows a strict anti-candida regimen.
American English
- The candida test came back negative.
- He was on a candida diet for months.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in microbiology, medicine, and public health research papers.
Everyday
Used in conversations about health, particularly women's health and general wellness.
Technical
Central term in mycology, clinical microbiology, dermatology, gynaecology, and gastroenterology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “candida”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “candida”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “candida”
- Using 'candida' as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a candida' – better: 'a candida infection').
- Confusing 'candida' (cause) with 'thrush' (a specific manifestation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in common usage. Medically, 'candidiasis' is the infection, and 'candida' (often C. albicans) is the causative fungus.
Yes. While more common in women, candida can cause infections in men, typically presenting as itching or redness on the penis.
No. Candida species like C. albicans are often part of the normal human microbiome (e.g., in the gut, mouth) without causing problems. Issues arise from overgrowth.
'Candida' is the fungus. 'Thrush' is the common name for the infection when it occurs in the mouth or throat. 'Yeast infection' commonly refers to genital candidiasis.
A genus of yeast-like fungi, some species of which can cause infections (candidiasis) in humans.
Candida is usually medical, healthcare, informal health discussions. in register.
Candida: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkændɪdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkændədə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CANDID + A. A 'candid' (frank) problem that is often discussed openly in health forums.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVASION (the fungus is often described as 'overgrowing' or 'colonising' areas of the body).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'candida' most precisely defined as?