A family of fungi characterized by the formation of free spores within elongated cells (asci), often associated with alternation of generation.

noun plural. A large class of higher fungi distinguished by septate hyphæ, and by having their spores formed in asci, or spore sacs; the sac fungi. It comprises many orders, among which are the yeasts, molds, mildews, truffles, morels, etc. The class is coextensive with the phylum Ascomycota.

noun. large class of higher fungi .

noun. Plural form of ascomycete.

noun. large class of higher fungi coextensive with division Ascomycota: sac fungi

"Two of his favourite mushrooms are truffles and morels, members of the important ascomycetes group of funghi, which also includes yeasts as well as the mould Penicillium chrysogenum from which penicillin is derived."

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