corn smut

noun

1. a disease of corn caused by a fungus, Ustilago maydis, and characterized by blackish, powdery masses of spores on the affected parts of the plant.

corn smut

noun

1. an ascomycetous parasitic fungus, Ustilago zeae, that causes gall-like deformations on maize grain
2. the condition produced by this fungus

Word History and Origins

Origin of corn smut¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

He settled on using one from corn smut, a fungal pathogen.

From Science Magazine

The authors studied infection of maize by the fungus Ustilago maydis, which can cause corn smut disease and results in substantial crop loss worldwide.

From Nature

Then she said it was also called “corn smut.”

From Washington Post

Huitlacoche, or corn smut, is a Mexican delicacy seldom found outside its native country.

From New York Times