1. A fungus of a group (Phycomycetes) that includes molds and mildews, characterized by asexual reproduction and typically aquatic or soil-dwelling habitats.
Usage: technical; mycology; also called water mold or oomycete in modern classification

Examples

• Phycomycetes are commonly found in damp soil and freshwater environments.
• The researcher studied phycomycete species to understand fungal reproduction.
• Many plant diseases are caused by phycomycetes such as Phytophthora.
• Phycomycetes differ from true fungi in their cell wall composition.
• The phycomycete population increased significantly after heavy rainfall.