volva

[ vol-vuh ]

noun

, Mycology.

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

volva

/ ˈvɒlvə; ˈvɒlvɪt; -veɪt /

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

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