n. 1. 1 large class of higher fungi .
Syn. -- class Ascomycetes. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

‖n. pl. [ NL.; ascus + Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, fungus. ] (Bot.) 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. -- As`co*my*ce"tous a. [Webster 1913 Suppl. + WordNet 1.5]