monilia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific/Medical
Quick answer
What does “monilia” mean?
A genus of fungi, often parasitic yeasts, that cause infections like thrush (candidiasis) in humans and animals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genus of fungi, often parasitic yeasts, that cause infections like thrush (candidiasis) in humans and animals.
A term used (now less commonly) in medicine and mycology to refer to yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, particularly Candida albicans, and the infections they cause.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; the term is equally specialized and dated in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical, clinical, possibly old-fashioned.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, confined to historical texts or specific scientific discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “monilia” in a Sentence
Monilia + [verb: causes, results in, is treated with]infection/condition + with/of + MoniliaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monilia” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monilia infection required prompt treatment.
- Monilia cultures were grown in the lab.
American English
- The monilia infection required prompt treatment.
- Monilia cultures were grown in the lab.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or specialized biological/medical texts.
Everyday
Almost never used; 'thrush' or 'yeast infection' are common terms.
Technical
Used in mycology and some older medical literature to refer to Candida species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monilia”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monilia”
- Misspelling as 'monila' or 'monellia'.
- Using it in everyday conversation instead of 'thrush' or 'yeast infection'.
- Confusing it with similar-sounding botanical or geological terms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized, technical term with very low frequency, largely superseded by 'Candida' in modern usage.
There is no biological difference; 'Candida' is the current, correct genus name, while 'Monilia' is an older, now rejected name for the same group of fungi.
You could, but they are far more likely to use and understand the terms 'Candida', 'thrush', or 'yeast infection'. 'Monilia' might sound outdated or overly technical.
The term 'Monilia' historically referred to human/animal pathogens (now Candida). However, the similar genus name 'Monilinia' refers to important plant pathogens (e.g., brown rot), which is a common source of confusion.
A genus of fungi, often parasitic yeasts, that cause infections like thrush (candidiasis) in humans and animals.
Monilia is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.
Monilia: in British English it is pronounced /mə(ʊ)ˈnɪlɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊˈnɪliə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MONILIA' as 'MOld/NILIA' – a mold/fungus that you might want 'nil' (none) of in your body.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SAPROPHYTE/INVADER (fungus feeding on host tissue).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'monilia' MOST likely to be found?