penicillium

 
Pronunciation: /ˌpɛnɪˈsɪlɪəm/

noun (plural penicillia)

  • a blue mould that is common on food, being added to some cheeses and used sometimes to produce penicillin.

Origin:

mid 19th century: modern Latin, from Latin penicillus 'paintbrush' (because of the brush-like fruiting bodies)