torula

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtɒruːlə, -(j)ʊlə/

noun (plural torulae /-liː/)

  • 1 (also torula yeast) a yeast which is cultured for use in medicine and as a food additive, especially as a source of vitamins and protein.
    • Candida utilis, subdivision Deuteromycotina
  • 2a yeast-like fungus composed of chains of rounded cells, several kinds growing on dead vegetation and some causing infections.
    • Genus Torula (or formerly this genus), subdivision Deuteromycotina: several species, in particular T. herbarum, which grows on dead grasses

Origin:

modern Latin (genus name), diminutive of Latin torus 'swelling, bolster'