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

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Etymology

Origin of fungal

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

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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

By reconstructing how earlier fungal diseases emerged, spread, and affected different species, researchers hope to improve their ability to recognize and respond to similar threats before they cause widespread damage.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026

The new findings, however, provide evidence that an emerging fungal disease was spreading through the area at precisely the same time.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026

The investigation also produced important discoveries about fungal biodiversity.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 25, 2026

Elsewhere, Indiana-based Insignum AgTech is designing corn crops whose leaves turn purple in reaction to fungal diseases and pests.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

I peeked through my crusty eyes as a fungal zoo of a toe prodded my arm, and a grizzled, bearded face framed by ashy predawn light leaned over me.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

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