A genus of fungus from which cephalosporin antibiotics are derived.
From Greek 'kephale' (head) + 'sporium' (spore or seed, from 'spora'). The fungus name literally means 'head-spore,' possibly referring to the structure of its reproductive organs.
The entire class of cephalosporin antibiotics owes its existence and name to a single fungus found near a sewer in Sardinia—it's remarkable that such a crucial medication comes from an organism whose name just means 'head-spore.'
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