Dictionary

aspergillus en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˌæspɚˈd͡ʒɪləs/ (Canada, US)

Etymology

From the genus taxonomic name Aspergillus, from aspergill(um) + Latin -us.

Meanings

1. Any of many molds, of the genus Aspergillus, many of which are pathogenic.
   • Aspergillus, named in the 18th century for its resemblance to a device used to sprinkle holy water [aspergillum], has brought humanity benefits as well as jeopardy. Some species have uses ranging from industrial chemistry to the fermentation of soy sauce and sake, but others are potentially hazardous to health. 2025 May 3, Michael Peel, “Killer fungus to spread as climate heats up”, in FT Weekend, London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 5:

Forms

Relateds

aspergillum

Translations (6)

ja アスペルギルス (any of many molds, of the genus Aspergillus, many of which are pathogenic) · pl kropidlak (any of many molds, of the genus Aspergillus, many of which are pathogenic) · it aspergillo (any of many molds, of the genus Aspergillus, many of which are pathogenic) · fr aspergille (any of many molds, of the genus Aspergillus, many of which are pathogenic) · ja 麹黴 (any of many molds, of the genus Aspergillus, many of which are pathogenic) · ja 麹菌 (any of many molds, of the genus Aspergillus, many of which are pathogenic)