mycologist

American  

[mahy-kahl-uhj-ist] / maɪˈkɑl ədʒ ɪst /

noun

plural

mycologists

1. a specialist in or student of mycology.

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Explanation

A scientist whose specializes in fungi is a mycologist. If you're mad about mushrooms, you should think about becoming a mycologist. Want to know more about fungi? Ask a mycologist! These experts are biologists who focus on the properties, uses, and dangers of mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. Many mycologists study diseases of plants, most of which are fungal, while others investigate the healing properties of mushrooms and other fungi. Mycologist is formed by adding myco-, from the Greek mykēs, "fungus," to the scientific suffix -logist, "student of."

Example Sentences

At the start of Joanne Schwartz’s presentation in Newport Beach recently, the expert amateur mycologist acknowledged the number of recent deaths caused by toxic fungi.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

My wife, an amateur mycologist, had been invited along with some friends to present their findings on the microscopic fungi that grow on the dung of herbivores like deer and rabbits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

But the mycologist believes our relationship with fly agaric goes back further still, all the way to the ancient roots of religion itself.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2025

Through his company Fungi Perfecti, mycologist Paul Stamets sells a variety of mushroom supplement capsules that claim to offer memory, nerve, and immune support.

From National Geographic • Jan. 31, 2024

She wants to be a mycologist specializing in tropical fungi.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García