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dermatophyte
noun
der·ma·to·phyte
(ˌ)dər-ˈma-tə-ˌfīt
ˈdər-mə-
: 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
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
ˈdər-mət-ə-
: a fungus parasitic upon the skin or skin derivatives (as hair or nails) compare dermatomycosis
More from Merriam-Webster on dermatophyte
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dermatophyte
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