oyster mushroom

American  

noun

1. oyster cap.

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oyster mushroom British  

noun

1. an edible fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus, having an oyster-shaped cap, commonly found growing in clusters on the trunks of broad-leaved trees

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Etymology

Origin of oyster mushroom

First recorded in 1870–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oyster mushroom

These records allowed them to map sightings of the golden oyster mushroom across North America.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 24, 2026

The oyster mushroom produces chemicals to paralyze its nematode prey within a few minutes of contact.

From National Geographic ● Dec. 12, 2023

“Somebody sees this thing and they think it looks wild and extraterrestrial,” she said, “but it’s a pink oyster mushroom that cooks beautifully into something that tastes like barbecue pork.”

From Washington Post ● Apr. 13, 2023

When a worm makes the mistake of passing over the fungus, the oyster mushroom paralyzes and kills it, devouring the animal’s nitrogen-rich flesh with root-like tendrils called hyphae.

From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2023

Professor Peck says that in edible qualities it resembles the oyster mushroom, P. ostreatus.

From Among the Mushrooms A Guide For Beginners by Ellen M. Dallas

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