fungus

[fuhng-guhs]

noun

plural

fungi, funguses 

1. any of a diverse group of eukaryotic single-celled or multinucleate organisms that live by decomposing and absorbing the organic material in which they grow, comprising the mushrooms, molds, mildews, smuts, rusts, and yeasts, and classified in the kingdom Fungi or, in some classification systems, in the division Fungi (Thallophyta) of the kingdom Plantae.

2. Pathology.,  a spongy, abnormal growth, as granulation tissue formed in a wound.

adjective

1. fungal.

   a fungus infection of the toenails.

fungus

/ ˈfʌŋɡəs, ˈfʌndʒɪk /

noun

1. any member of a kingdom of organisms (Fungi) that lack chlorophyll, leaves, true stems, and roots, reproduce by spores, and live as saprotrophs or parasites. The group includes moulds, mildews, rusts, yeasts, and mushrooms

2. something resembling a fungus, esp in suddenly growing and spreading rapidly

3. pathol any soft tumorous growth

fungus

plural

fungi 

1. Any of a wide variety of organisms that reproduce by spores, including the mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and mildews. The spores of most fungi grow a network of slender tubes called hyphae that spread into and feed off of dead organic matter or living organisms. Fungi absorb food by excreting enzymes that break down complex substances into molecules that can be absorbed into the hyphae. The hyphae also produce reproductive structures, such as mushrooms and other growths. Some fungi (called perfect fungi) can reproduce by both sexually produced spores and asexual spores; other fungi (called imperfect fungi or deuteromycetes) are thought to have lost their sexual stage and can only reproduce by asexual spores. Fungi can live in a wide variety of environments, and fungal spores can survive extreme temperatures. Fungi exist in over 100,000 species, nearly all of which live on land. They can be extremely destructive, feeding on almost any kind of material and causing food spoilage and many plant diseases. Although fungi were once grouped with plants, they are now considered a separate kingdom in taxonomy.

2. See Table at taxonomy

Other Word Forms

• fungic adjective
• funguslike adjective
• fungus-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fungus¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin: “fungus, mushroom”; perhaps akin to Greek spóngos, sphóngos sponge

Word History and Origins

Origin of fungus¹

C16: from Latin: mushroom, fungus; probably related to Greek spongos _sponge

Example Sentences

In the U.S., foreign mussels are wreaking havoc in the Great Lakes, invasive fungi are threatening trees in Hawaii and non-native carp are invading rivers and lakes.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Deadwood-decomposing fungi feed germinating orchids, providing the carbon their tiny seeds don't have.

Read more on Science Daily

Plantlife's annual survey found hundreds of new sites for pink waxcap and violet coral across the country, with North Yorkshire emerging as a "hotspot" for the fungi, the charity said.

Read more on BBC

It held an exhibition showing how we might soon be able to grow buildings from fungus, and other innovative ways to reduce cities' environmental impact.

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He wants to encourage people to embrace the new species, and take more time in the forest, paying attention to the estimated 20,000 species of animal plants and fungi in the area.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• affliction 
• canker 
• decay 
• eyesore 
• infestation 
• mildew 
• pest 
• scourge