Ascomycetes \As`co*my*ce"tes\, n. pl. [NL.; ascus + Gr. ?, ?, fungus.]

(Bot.) A large class of higher fungi distinguished by septate hyph[ae], and by having their spores formed in asci, or spore sacs. It comprises many orders, among which are the yeasts, molds, mildews, truffles, morels, etc. -- As`co*my*ce"tous, a.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)