fungal

American  

[fuhng-guhl] / ˈfʌŋ gəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by a fungus or fungi.

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fungal British  

/ ˈfʌŋɡəl /

adjective

1. of, derived from, or caused by a fungus or fungi

   fungal spores

   a fungal disease

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Other Word Forms

• antifungal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of fungal

First recorded in 1825–35; from New Latin fungālis; see fungus, -al ¹

Explanation

Fungal things have something to do with a fungus, or an organism that produces spores. The most familiar fungal species are mushrooms. Yeasts and molds are fungal, and if you see a mildewed area on the wall of your shower, you can say, "Will someone please clean this fungal mess?" The fungal organisms that bear fruit are mushrooms, which you might think of as plants but which really exist in an entirely separate category from plants and animals. Fungal and fungus both come from the Latin, with the probable Greek root sphongos, "sponge."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fungal

Until now, however, scientists had not attempted to estimate and map the physical density and worldwide distribution of AM fungal networks themselves.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 15, 2026

The maps are expected to help researchers and policymakers identify areas where these fungal networks are thriving and where they may be under threat.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 15, 2026

"Traditionally, researchers would go through undigested material in scats to study animal diets, but trying to identify fungal spores remained a challenge," Ms. Quah said.

From Science Daily ● May 20, 2026

They hope to gain insight into whether, as Joshua trees shift to higher areas, the fungal communities that help them withstand hot, dry conditions in their lower environs are moving with them.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026

An untreatable fungal disease called anthracnose is wiping out the lovely dogwoods not just here but everywhere in America.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson