fungi

¹

[ fuhn-jahy, fuhng-gahy ]

plural noun

1. a plural of fungus.

Fungi

²

[ fuhn-jahy, fuhng-gahy ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. a taxonomic kingdom, or in some classification schemes a division of the kingdom Plantae, comprising all the fungus groups and sometimes also the slime molds.

fungi-

³

1. a combining form representing fungus in compound words:

   fungicide.

fungi-

¹

combining_form

1. fungus

   fungicide

   fungoid

fungi

²

/ ˈfʌndʒaɪ; ˈfʌndʒɪ; ˈfʌŋɡaɪ /

noun

1. a plural of fungus

fungi

1. sing. fungus Plantlike organisms lacking chlorophyll , such as mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and mildews. Modern biologists tend to place fungi in their own kingdom , not in the plant kingdom , because they get their nutrients from other living things (or from the remains of living things that have died) rather than from photosynthesis . ( See under “Medicine and Health.” )

Word History and Origins

Origin of fungi¹

From New Latin; fungus

Example Sentences

“Looking at nature without fungi is like trying to diagnose a disease without doing a blood test. Fungi are the firmament of life on Earth. They make systems ecosystems.”

From Salon

Fungi cause less human disease than bacteria or viruses for two reasons: The human immune system is very adept at thwarting them, and they generally don’t grow well at mammals’ high body temperatures.

From Science Magazine

Fungi make use of the wood, too, and then beetles feed on the fungi, and amphibians, reptiles and birds feed on those beetles.

From Seattle Times

"In terms of aftercare - I had producers staying in Dee's house… we put Fungi through rehab… we did a lot for people on that series," he added.

From BBC

It was awarded first place in the World of Fungi category.

From BBC