word-forming element in science, used to form names of antibiotic compounds derived from fungi, from Latinized form of Greek mykēs "fungus, mushroom" (see myco-).

before vowels myc-, word-forming element meaning "mushroom, fungus," formed irregularly from Latinized form of Greek mykēs "fungus, mushroom, anything shaped like a mushroom," a word of uncertain origin (Beekes doubts the traditional explanation that connects it to the source of mucus). The correct form is myceto- (mycet-).