fruiting body

American  

noun

1. an organ that produces spores; fructification.

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fruiting body British  

noun

1. Also: fruit body.  the part of a fungus in which the spores are produced

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fruiting body Scientific  

/ fro̅o̅′tĭng /

1. A specialized spore-producing structure, especially of a fungus. A mushroom is the fruiting body of a fungus.

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Etymology

Origin of fruiting body

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Meghan Markle recently spoke of using nonpsychedelic mushroom supplements to manage anxiety and stress, while across the pond, singer Ellie Goulding just launched her own business, specializing in mushroom lattes made of fruiting body extracts.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

This species is unique for the dorsal attachment of its stipe to the top of the pileus, and the abundant cystidia covering all surfaces of the fruiting body.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2025

"I was surprised to see the unusually cube-shaped ice formations on the fruiting body of this slime mould. This shot is comprised of 87 focus-bracketed images, focus-stacked together."

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2024

The mycelium fibers from the fruiting body contain proteins, chitin, and polysaccharides, which make them ideal for making packaging materials, soundproofing, textiles, and much more.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2024

I look at the page, where the life cycle of the mushroom from spore to fruiting body is taking shape, and I know this with absolute certainty.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood