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pileus

[ pahy-lee-uhs, pil-ee- ]

noun

plural pilei [pahy, -lee-ahy, pil, -ee-ahy] pileus
  1. Mycology. the horizontal portion of a mushroom, bearing gills, tubes, etc., on its underside; a cap.
  2. Zoology.
    1. the umbrella or bell of a jellyfish.
  3. Also called cap cloud, Meteorology. a small, thin cloud just above or attached to a growing cumulus cloud.
  4. a felt skullcap worn by the ancient Romans and Greeks.


pileus

/ ˈpɪl-; ˈpaɪlɪəs /

noun

  1. the upper cap-shaped part of a mushroom or similar spore-producing body
“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

pileus

/ lē-əs /

, Plural pileilē-ī′

  1. The umbrellalike fruiting structure forming the top of a fleshy fungus. It is supported by the stipe. The cap of a mushroom is a pileus.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pileus1

1750–60; < New Latin, special use of Latin pīleus skullcap; akin to Greek pîlos felt, felt cap
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pileus1

C18 (botanical use): New Latin, from Latin: felt cap
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Example Sentences

The reverse features two daggers on either side of a cap known as a pileus.

A cumulus, for example, might just be a cumulus; or it might be a cumulus fractus, if its edges are tattered; or a cumulus pileus, if a smaller cloud appears over it like a hood.

A genus of fungi having the under side of the pileus or cap composed of a multitude of fine separate tubes.

Two youths on horseback, probably the Dioscuri, though the conical cap, pileus, by which they are distinguished is wanting.

C, Longitudinal section of mature plant. p, The pileus. g, The gills. a, The annulus, or remnant of velum partiale, v, Remains of volva or velum universale. s, The stalk.

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pileuppilewort