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Definition of Penicillium
1. Noun. Genus of fungi commonly growing as green or blue molds on decaying food; used in making cheese and as a source of penicillin.
Generic synonyms: Fungus Genus
Group relationships: Family Moniliaceae, Moniliaceae
Definition of Penicillium
1. Noun. Any of the blue-green fungi, of the genus ''Penicillium'', that are an important source of antibiotics. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Penicillium
1. [n -LIA]
Medical Definition of Penicillium
1. A genus of fungi (class Ascomycetes, order Aspergillales), species of which yield various antibiotic substances and biologicals; e.g., citrinum yields citrinin; Penicillium claviforme, Penicillium expansum, and Penicillium patulum yield patulin; Penicillium chrysogenum yields penicillin; Penicillium griseofulvum yields griseofulvin; Penicillium notatum yields penicillin and notatin; Penicillium cyclopium and Penicillium puberulum yield penicillic acid; Penicillium purpurogenum and Penicillium rubrum yield rubratoxin. Penicillium marneffei is a true pathogen in Southeast Asia and in the bamboo rats. Origin: see penicillus (05 Mar 2000)