oyster mushroom

American  

noun

1. oyster cap.

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oyster mushroom British  

noun

1. an edible fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus, having an oyster-shaped cap, commonly found growing in clusters on the trunks of broad-leaved trees

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Etymology

Origin of oyster mushroom

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oyster mushroom

Although it is an attractive and edible species, the golden oyster mushroom has demonstrated its ability to escape cultivation and establish itself in the wild, where it can outcompete native fungi.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 24, 2026

Other edible mushrooms in California that are far more recognizable — and don’t have dangerous lookalikes — include the chicken of the woods, oyster mushroom and honey mushroom, Diaz said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 10, 2025

The oyster mushroom produces chemicals to paralyze its nematode prey within a few minutes of contact.

From National Geographic ● Dec. 12, 2023

When a worm makes the mistake of passing over the fungus, the oyster mushroom paralyzes and kills it, devouring the animal’s nitrogen-rich flesh with root-like tendrils called hyphae.

From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2023

Otherwise they were canned as the Tricholoma and oyster mushroom.

From The Mushroom, Edible and Otherwise Its Habitat and its Time of Growth by Miron Elisha Hard