Biol. A genus of microscopic fungi resembling the holy-water sprinkler in appearance, growing on decayed organic matter.
1847. Nat. Encycl., III. 988. Aspergillus glaucus is the blue mould which forms on cheese, bread, etc.
1861. H. Macmillan, Footn. Page Nat., 235. There is the white or blue mould, forming the genus Aspergillus, from the resemblance of its fructification to the brush used for sprinkling holy water.
1883. Tyndall, in Pall Mall Gaz., 30 Oct., 2/1. Supposing the aspergillus to be a human parasite.
