1. A group of fungi characterized by the presence of motile spores and filamentous hyphae, including water molds and bread molds; now often classified within the kingdom Stramenopila or Oomycota rather than true fungi.
Usage: plural noun; technical/scientific; taxonomy has been revised; term is somewhat dated in modern mycology

Examples

• Phycomycetes were historically grouped with true fungi but are now recognized as a distinct lineage.
• Many phycomycetes thrive in moist environments and aquatic habitats.
• The classification of phycomycetes has changed significantly with advances in molecular biology.
• Some phycomycetes are important plant pathogens that cause diseases in crops.
• Early mycologists studied phycomycetes because of their unusual reproductive structures.