candidiasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency in general discourse; Common in medical, healthcare, and patient education contexts.Technical/Medical. Used by healthcare professionals, in medical literature, and by patients discussing diagnoses. Not typically used in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “candidiasis” mean?
A fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, especially Candida albicans, affecting the skin, mucous membranes, or, less commonly, internal organs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, especially Candida albicans, affecting the skin, mucous membranes, or, less commonly, internal organs.
In medical contexts, the term is often extended to describe the pathological condition resulting from overgrowth of Candida species, which are normally present in small amounts in the human body. In non-medical contexts, it is sometimes used as a general descriptor for yeast-related health problems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between BrE and AmE. Both use 'candidiasis' as the standard term.
Connotations
Neutral, clinical term in both varieties. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in medical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “candidiasis” in a Sentence
[Patient] has/developed/suffers from candidiasis.[Treatment] is for/used against candidiasis.Candidiasis [verb: affects/presents as/can lead to].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “candidiasis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- candidiasis-related complications
- a candidiasis infection
American English
- candidiasis-associated symptoms
- candidiasis treatment guidelines
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Common in medical and biological research papers discussing fungal pathogenesis, immunology, and treatment outcomes.
Everyday
Used when discussing a specific medical diagnosis with a doctor or pharmacist. Often replaced by simpler terms like 'thrush' or 'yeast infection' in lay conversation.
Technical
The precise term used in clinical documentation, diagnosis coding (e.g., ICD-11), microbiology reports, and pharmaceutical literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “candidiasis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “candidiasis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “candidiasis”
- Misspelling as 'candidasis' or 'candidiases'.
- Using incorrect verb agreement (it is uncountable: 'Candidiasis is...', not 'are...').
- Confusing it with bacterial infections.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Thrush' is the common name for specific types of candidiasis, most notably oral or vaginal infections. 'Candidiasis' is the broader, more technical term for all infections caused by Candida species.
Yes. While skin and mucosal infections are often mild, invasive or systemic candidiasis, where the fungus enters the bloodstream, is a serious medical condition that requires immediate hospital treatment.
Generally, it is not considered highly contagious in the way a cold is. It is usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida already present in one's own body. However, in rare cases, it can be transmitted through direct contact, such as to a newborn during childbirth.
The word is typically used as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'she has candidiasis'). In highly technical contexts, the plural 'candidiases' is sometimes seen but is very rare. It is best to avoid a plural form.
A fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, especially Candida albicans, affecting the skin, mucous membranes, or, less commonly, internal organs.
Candidiasis is usually technical/medical. used by healthcare professionals, in medical literature, and by patients discussing diagnoses. not typically used in casual conversation. in register.
Candidiasis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkændɪˈdaɪəsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkændɪˈdaɪəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CANDID' + 'IASIS'. A 'candid' (frank/open) 'IASIS' (condition) caused by Candida fungus.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as an INVASION or OVERGROWTH (e.g., 'The Candida overgrew and caused an infection').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical context for the word 'candidiasis'?