penicillium

American  

[pen-uh-sil-ee-uhm] / ˌpɛn əˈsɪl i əm /

noun

plural

penicilliums, penicillia

1. any fungus of the genus Penicillium, certain species of which are used in cheesemaking and as the source of penicillin.

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penicillium British  

/ ˌpɛnɪˈsɪlɪəm /

noun

1. any ascomycetous saprotrophic fungus of the genus Penicillium, which commonly grow as a green or blue mould on stale food: some species are used in cheese-making and others as a source of penicillin

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penicillium Scientific  

/ pĕn′ĭ-sĭl′ē-əm /

plural

penicilliums

1. Any of various bluish-green fungi of the genus Penicillium, that grow as molds on decaying fruits, ripening cheeses, and bread, and are used to produce penicillin and certain other antibiotics.

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Etymology

Origin of penicillium

1925–30; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin pēnicill ( us ) brush ( pencil ) + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

Testing revealed the most common species was penicillium chrysogenum, famous because it is used to produce the penicillin antibiotic but it can cause allergic reactions or infections in people with compromised immune systems.

From BBC

He eventually found what he was looking for: a strain of penicillium, or blue mold, that, in chickens, reduced levels of an enzyme that cells need to make LDL cholesterol.

From New York Times

Unlike most molds, Penicillium camemberti can’t reproduce sexually with other fungi to create new genetic diversity.

From Salon

The issue centers on one specific strain of fungi called Penicillium camemberti, which is revered as “the gold standard for brie and Camembert” because of its appetizing qualities.

From Salon

Many signature French cheeses currently rely on just one single fragile strain of fungi — Penicillium camemberti — which is unfortunately at risk of dying out.

From Salon