dermatophyte

noun

der·​ma·​to·​phyte (ˌ)dər-ˈma-tə-ˌfīt How to pronounce dermatophyte (audio) ˈdər-mə- How to pronounce dermatophyte (audio)
: a fungus parasitic on the skin or skin derivatives (such as hair or nails)

Examples of dermatophyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Depending on the mode of transmission, dermatophytes are classified as anthropophilic (from humans), zoophilic (from animals), and geophilic (from soil). Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024 Ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot are all caused by fungi called dermatophytes that live on your skin, hair, or nails (lovely, right?). Kathleen Felton, SELF, 26 July 2024 This type is caused by dermatophytes, which also cause athlete's foot. Sarah Bradley, Health, 19 May 2024 Subsequent studies found that molecular machines could also kill other fungi, including molds like Aspergillus fumigatus and species of dermatophytes, the types of fungi that cause skin, scalp and nail infections. Ana L. Santos, The Conversation, 26 May 2023 An overgrowth of dermatophytes like trichophyton can cause issues like athlete's foot, an infection that begins as an itchy, red, and scaly rash that starts between the toes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Patia Braithwaite, SELF, 12 June 2019 Trichophyton, one of the more typical locker room pathogens, belongs to a type of fungi known as dermatophytes. Patia Braithwaite, SELF, 12 June 2019 In order to grow, dermatophytes get nutrients from keratin, a protein in the outer layer of your skin, hair, and nails, according to the Merck Manual. Patia Braithwaite, SELF, 12 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dermatophyte.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dermatophyte was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near dermatophyte

Cite this Entry

“Dermatophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermatophyte. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

dermatophyte

noun
der·​ma·​to·​phyte (ˌ)dər-ˈmat-ə-ˌfīt How to pronounce dermatophyte (audio) ˈdər-mət-ə- How to pronounce dermatophyte (audio)
: a fungus parasitic upon the skin or skin derivatives (as hair or nails) compare dermatomycosis

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