hypha

[ hahy-fuh ]

noun

, plural hy·phae [hahy, -fee].

1. (in a fungus) one of the threadlike elements of the mycelium.

hypha

/ ˈhaɪfə /

noun

1. any of the filaments that constitute the body (mycelium) of a fungus

hypha

/ hī′fə /

, Plural hyphae hī′fē

1. One of the long slender tubes that develop from germinated spores and form the structural parts of the body of a fungus. In many species of fungi, hyphae are divided into sections by cross walls called septa . Each section contains at least one haploid nucleus, and the septa usually have perforations that allow cytoplasm to flow through the hypha. A large mass of hyphae is known as a mycelium , which is the growing form of most fungi. From time to time, hyphae develop reproductive structures that are partitioned from the hypha by holeless septa. In many species, these structures are microscopic; in others, they are visible and large. Mushrooms and shelf fungi are visible reproductive structures of fungi.

Derived Forms

• ˈhyphal, adjective

Other Words From

• hyphal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypha¹

1865–70; < New Latin < Greek hyphḗ web

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypha¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek huphē web

Example Sentences

The hyphae absorb nutrients from soil or another substrate so the fungus can grow.

From Singularity Hub 

When the hypha of a uredine attacks a cell it is unable to perforate it with its whole diameter.

From Project Gutenberg

De Bary had previously hinted that the hypha might be attracted by some chemical ingredient of the host plant.

From Project Gutenberg

But who has ever seen the gonidia of lichens the worse for having the ‘hypha’ growing amongst them?

From Project Gutenberg

The "real tug of war" comes when the hypha is face to face with the ectoplasm.

From Project Gutenberg

Easily distinguishable from all similar moulds by the absence of mycelium or of anything like a hypha.

From Project Gutenberg