mycelium

[mahy-see-lee-uhm]

noun

Mycology.

plural

mycelia 

1. the mass of hyphae that form the vegetative part of a fungus.

mycelium

/ ˈmaɪsɪˌlɔɪd, maɪˈsiːlɪəm /

noun

1. the vegetative body of fungi: a mass of branching filaments (hyphae) that spread throughout the nutrient substratum

mycelium

plural

mycelia 

1. The mass of fine branching tubes (known as hyphae) that forms the main growing structure of a fungus. Visible structures like mushrooms are reproductive structures produced by the mycelium.

Other Word Forms

• myceloid adjective
• mycelial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mycelium¹

1830–40; < New Latin, equivalent to Greek myk- myc- + ( h ) ḗl ( os ) wart, nail + New Latin -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of mycelium¹

C19 (literally: nail of fungus): from _myco- + Greek hēlos nail

Example Sentences

They included a structure grown from mycelium, the root network of fungus.

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Secondly, that mycelium lacks beneficial compounds like beta-glucans, which are known for certain potential immune-boosting properties and are more plentiful in fruiting bodies.

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Although fungi often bring to mind mushroom caps, fungi also have underground "roots" called mycelia.

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First of all, they are not green and do not engage in photosynthesis, but rather feed on fungal mycelia in the ground.

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For a mushroom to grow, a fungal spore has to set up shop on a surface and produce mycelia.

Read more on New York Times