fungus

American  

[fuhng-guhs] / ˈfʌŋ gəs /

noun

• fungi,
  plural
• funguses
  plural

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.

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adjective

1. fungal.

   a fungus infection of the toenails.

fungus British  

/ 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

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fungus Scientific  

/ fŭng′gəs /

• fungi
  plural

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• fungic
  adjective
• fungus-like
  adjective
• funguslike
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• fungi
  plural
• funguses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of fungus

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

Explanation

Is there a fungus among us? A fungus is a simple organism that's not an animal or a plant. A delicious mushroom is one kind of fungus, while another type of fungus causes nasty infections. The plural of fungus is fungi, so when you order a pizza you can request it "with extra fungi" if you like. Mold, yeast, and mildew are all types of fungi, and there are plenty of edible fungi as well, including truffles and portobello mushrooms. While a fungus may look like a plant, it doesn't go through photosynthesis like plants do and it reproduces through spores.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fungus fungi funguses

If mold is a concern, home buyers should consider hiring a mold specialist or asking home inspectors to test for mold, if possible, and stay vigilant about the potential growth of the fungus.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 15, 2026

The pitch is said to have been hit by a fungus infection that has damaged the playing surface, with Celta Vigo believed to have requested that the match is postponed.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

Leafcutter ants cultivate fungus for food, while ants of the Lasius genus tend aphids for their sweet secretions “like domestic cattle.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

The species, named Taczanowskia waska, represents the first known example of a spider mimicking the appearance of a fungus that infects spiders.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 17, 2026

The fungus gives the plant simple elements and minerals it has taken from the soil.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

German naturalist Carl Gustav Carus carried out the first scientific studies of pyrophilous fungi in the 1830s, external.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

At the heart of current research is the oral microbiome, the community of hundreds of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that live in the mouth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

"It really changed my perspective towards plants," he said, his expressive face lighting up as he explained mycorrhiza, a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots.

From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026

Taczanowskia waska closely resembles the fruiting body of fungi in the genus Gibellula, which grow on spiders.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 17, 2026

A curious but beneficial relation between fungi and the roots of higher plants is seriously disrupted.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

After snowball Earth, titanosaurs and dawn redwoods and humongous funguses appear.

From Scientific American ● Sep. 24, 2021

The illnesses most frequently reported by migrants who make it across the jungle are foot funguses, gastrointestinal problems and respiratory infections.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 16, 2021

In 1962, Rachel Carson published the book “Silent Spring,” which convincingly argued that chemicals used to kill insects, funguses and pests were also killing birds and harming the environment.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 4, 2016

This makes your entire body hypersensitive to all forms of irritants, including weather changes, certain food proteins, and funguses.

From New York Times ● Jul. 20, 2010

Thank Heaven, my eyes are good enough yet to see the difference between dried funguses and coined money!’

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 55, No. 344, June, 1844 by Various

Related Words

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