volva

[ vol-vuh ]

noun

, Mycology.

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

volva

/ ˈvɒlvɪt; -veɪt; ˈvɒlvə /

noun

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

volva

/ vŏl′və,vôl′- /

1. A cuplike structure around the base of the stalk of certain basidiomycete fungi.

Derived Forms

• volvate, adjective

Other Words From

• vol·vate [vol, -vit, -veyt], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of volva¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of volva¹

C18: from Latin: a covering, from volvere to wrap

Example Sentences

There is no volva, but there is a ring which is sometimes persistent, friable, and fugacious.

From Project Gutenberg

There are also variations in the way in which the volva is ruptured, as well as in the character of the stem.

From Project Gutenberg

The veil is universal, forming a perfect volva, distinct from the cuticle of the pileus.

From Project Gutenberg

The volva is quite thick and frequently the plant, when in the egg state, has the appearance of a phalloid.

From Project Gutenberg

The stem is white, smooth, volva split to the base into four nearly equal segments.

From Project Gutenberg