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mycology

American  
[mahy-kol-uh-jee] / maɪˈkɒl ə dʒi /

noun

  1. the branch of biology dealing with fungi.

  2. the fungi found in an area.


mycology British  
/ maɪˈkɒlədʒɪ /

noun

  1. the branch of biology concerned with the study of fungi

  2. the fungi of a particular region

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

mycology Scientific  
/ mī-kŏl′ə-jē /
  1. The scientific study of fungi.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of mycology

First recorded in 1830–40; myco- + -logy


Explanation

The science of fungi and yeasts is mycology. If you're fascinated with mushrooms, you might decide to study mycology and learn more about them. Mycology is a branch of biology, and scientists who specialize in this area are mycologists. Some focus on mushrooms, researching their use as food and medicine as well as the potential danger of their toxins. Others study yeasts that are useful in the dairy, winemaking, brewing, and baking industries. It's thanks to mycology (and fungi) that life-saving medicines including penicillin and statins were discovered. Mycology has a Greek root, mykēs, or "mushroom."

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Vocabulary lists containing mycology

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The authors' molecular work on type species is a major contribution to mycology because it establishes an authoritative foundation for all future work on Psilocybe diversity in taxonomy.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 9, 2024

“We’ve been flying under the radar for decades in mycology because fungal infections didn’t used to be frequently seen,” said Ostrosky of UTHealth Houston.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 27, 2023

This level of confusion isn't uncommon in mycology.

From Salon ● Apr. 30, 2023

As an adult, she developed an interest in mycology, the study of mushrooms and other fungi.

From New York Times ● Apr. 26, 2023

"Miss Deane has given up little boats and playhouses for the science of mycology," Robin put in, rather nervously, as one anxious to change the subject.

From The Lucky Piece A Tale of the North Woods by Albert Bigelow Paine

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