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fungus
[ fuhng-guhs ]
noun
- any of a diverse group of eukaryotic single-celled or multinucleate organisms that live by decomposing and absorbing the organic material in which they grow, comprising the mushrooms, molds, mildews, smuts, rusts, and yeasts, and classified in the kingdom Fungi or, in some classification systems, in the division Fungi (Thallophyta) of the kingdom Plantae.
- Pathology. a spongy, abnormal growth, as granulation tissue formed in a wound.
adjective
a fungus infection of the toenails.
fungus
/ ˈfʌŋɡəs; ˈfʌndʒɪk /
noun
- any member of a kingdom of organisms (Fungi) that lack chlorophyll, leaves, true stems, and roots, reproduce by spores, and live as saprotrophs or parasites. The group includes moulds, mildews, rusts, yeasts, and mushrooms
- something resembling a fungus, esp in suddenly growing and spreading rapidly
- pathol any soft tumorous growth
fungus
/ fŭng′gəs /
, Plural fungi fŭn′jī,fŭng′gī
- Any of a wide variety of organisms that reproduce by spores, including the mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and mildews. The spores of most fungi grow a network of slender tubes called hyphae that spread into and feed off of dead organic matter or living organisms. Fungi absorb food by excreting enzymes that break down complex substances into molecules that can be absorbed into the hyphae. The hyphae also produce reproductive structures, such as mushrooms and other growths. Some fungi (called perfect fungi ) can reproduce by both sexually produced spores and asexual spores; other fungi (called imperfect fungi or deuteromycetes ) are thought to have lost their sexual stage and can only reproduce by asexual spores. Fungi can live in a wide variety of environments, and fungal spores can survive extreme temperatures. Fungi exist in over 100,000 species, nearly all of which live on land. They can be extremely destructive, feeding on almost any kind of material and causing food spoilage and many plant diseases. Although fungi were once grouped with plants, they are now considered a separate kingdom in taxonomy.
- See Table at taxonomy
Derived Forms
- ˈfungus-ˌlike, adjective
- fungic, adjective
Other Words From
- fun·gic [fuhn, -jik], adjective
- fun·gus·like adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of fungus1
Example Sentences
They say never to use honey, which contains spores that can cause fungus to grow on a hummingbird’s tongue.
The company infuses their mattress material with copper, which fights bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mold while also keeping you cooler as you sleep.
In itself, that wasn’t unprecedented, because horizontal transfers of genes are not uncommon in bacteria and even in animals, fungi and plants.
Unlike other pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and parasites, viruses have none of the machinery needed to make more copies of themselves, so they cannot reproduce on their own.
Often, it’s from people surprised to find themselves seeking help from a mysterious fungus at all.
Briefly, blister rust is an Asian fungus introduced from Europe to America around 1900.
Or how leaf-cutter ants cultivate a specific type of fungus so precious it is carried by the queen when she starts a new colony.
Salt Point is also the setting of a cautionary tale about foraging that has spread like a fungus among the mycological community.
Whatever its name, the fungus-caused illness—which can be fatal—is being called a silent epidemic.
Chronicling the fungus foragers who count posh New York restaurants as their clients.
Favus, tinea versicolor, and the various forms of ring-worm are caused by members of the fungus group.
Tinea Favosa, or favus, is a contagious and a very stubborn disease of the skin, caused by the fungus Achorion Schoenleinii.
The fungus spores will survive the winter, and be ready for work in spring.
They rubbed disinfectant salves into their fungus-ridden hides.
Hence they may be killed by means of applications of some fungus-killing fluid, as Bordeaux mixture.
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