basidiomycete
Pronunciation: /bəˌsɪdɪəˈmʌɪsiːt/
Definition of basidiomycete
noun ( plural basidiomycetes /-ˈmʌɪsiːts, -mʌɪˈsiːtiːz/)
Botany- a fungus whose spores develop in basidia. They include the majority of familiar mushrooms and toadstools. Compare with ascomycete.
- Subdivision Basidiomycotina (formerly class Basidiomycetes): several classes
Origin:
late 19th century: anglicized singular of modern Latin Basidiomycetes, from basidium (see basidium) + Greek mukētes 'fungi'