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volva

American  
[vol-vuh] / ˈvɒl və /

noun

Mycology.
  1. the membranous envelope that encloses the base of various mushrooms formed when the velum ruptures.


volva British  
/ ˈvɒlvə, ˈvɒlvɪt, -veɪt /

noun

  1. botany a cup-shaped structure that sheathes the base of the stalk of certain mushrooms

"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

volva Scientific  
/ vŏlvə,vôl- /
  1. A cuplike structure around the base of the stalk of certain basidiomycete fungi.


Other Word Forms

  • volvate adjective

Etymology

Origin of volva

1745–55; < Latin: covering, akin to volvere to roll, wrap

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.

Fungi with red caps or stems; mushrooms with white gills, skirts or rings on their stems; and any ’shrooms with a bulbous sack or volva are all worth avoiding.

From Los Angeles Times

Upon the platform the volva took her place.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

This warning the poisonous Agaric does not give, but it has the distinguishing feature of a cup or volva at the base of the stern.

From Project Gutenberg

Whole young fungus enclosed in a white volva, patches of which often remain on p.

From Project Gutenberg