Penicillium
/ˌpɛnɪˈsɪliəm/noun
A genus of fungi that includes species used in food production and the source of penicillin.
Did you know?Alexander Fleming named penicillin after Penicillium not because of its effects, but because this mold’s microscopic spore-bearing structures resembled little brushes.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pes-
“A reconstructed root associated with spreading, stretching, or projecting; its exact connection to Latin penis is debated.”
Classical Latin
Latin
penis
“Tail; a projecting appendage.”
Classical Latin
Latin
penicillus
“A little tail, tuft, or brush; a diminutive form related to penis.”
18th Century
Scientific Latin
penicillus
“A small brush-like structure, especially in botanical or anatomical description.”
1809
New Latin
Penicillium
“A fungal genus named for its brush-like spore-bearing structures; established by Johann Heinrich Friedrich Link.”
20th Century
English
Penicillium
“A recognized genus of molds, including the species associated with penicillin and several cheeses.”