: a fungus parasitic on the skin or skin derivatives (such as hair or nails)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebAn 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
Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1882, in the meaning defined above
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