pileus

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

noun

, plural pi·le·i [pahy, -lee-ahy, pil, -ee-ahy] pi·le·us

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.
   2. pileum.
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

/ ˈpaɪlɪəs; ˈpɪl- /

noun

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

pileus

/ pī′lē-əs /

, Plural pilei pī′lē-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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pileus¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pileus¹

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

Example Sentences

Pileus: At first globular, its edge connected to stem by the veil; then round convex, at length becoming possibly almost flat.

From Project Gutenberg

Pileus: Expansion two to four inches; color varying from pale bright pink to deep scarlet; very smooth.

From Project Gutenberg

Average diameter of extended pileus of each of these species about three and one-half inches; veil absent in each.

From Project Gutenberg

Pileus: Firm, solid; greenish or pinkish-gray; at first convex, with flat top, ultimately rising from centre to rim.

From Project Gutenberg

Pileus: In shape like above, varying in color from bright red to dull, subdued purplish, with a distinct bloom.

From Project Gutenberg