fungus

American  

[fuhng-guhs] / ˈfʌŋ gəs /

noun

plural

fungi, funguses

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 /

plural

fungi

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

• fungic adjective
• fungus-like adjective
• funguslike adjective

Etymology

Origin of fungus

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

Example Sentences

"These thousands of newly found species each year are not just microscopic organisms, but include insects, plants, fungi and even hundreds of new vertebrates."

From Science Daily

A JP Morgan banker might seem an unlikely character in a book about fungi.

From Los Angeles Times

Once infection occurs, about 45 percent of patients die, and the fungus is resistant to all major types of antifungal drugs.

From Science Daily

The review points to numerous studies that demonstrate antimicrobial effects of garlic extracts against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

From Science Daily

Nail infections are typically caused by fungi, though bacteria can occasionally be involved.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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