fungus

[ fuhng-guhs ]

noun

, plural fun·gi [fuhn, -jahy, fuhng, -gahy], fun·gus·es.

1. 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.
2. Pathology. a spongy, abnormal growth, as granulation tissue formed in a wound.

adjective

1. fungal:

   a fungus infection of the toenails.

fungus

/ ˈfʌŋɡəs; ˈfʌndʒɪk /

noun

1. 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
2. something resembling a fungus, esp in suddenly growing and spreading rapidly
3. pathol any soft tumorous growth

fungus

/ fŭng′gəs /

, Plural fungi fŭn′jī,fŭng′gī

1. 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.
2. 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

Origin of fungus¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin: “fungus, mushroom”; perhaps akin to Greek spóngos, sphóngos sponge

Word History and Origins

Origin of fungus¹

C16: from Latin: mushroom, fungus; probably related to Greek spongos sponge

Example Sentences

It starts with a pile of soy pulp, which is wrapped in banana leaves and sprinkled with the spores of a fungus called Neurospora intermedia.

From Salon

Its prevalence in Southeast Asian cuisine inspired Hill-Maini, who once worked as a chef, to investigate the spore-bearing organisms behind the dish and figure out how the fungus that creates it could be embraced worldwide.

From Salon

After analyzing everything from coffee grounds to orange peels — some 30 things in all — he and his team discovered that the strain of fungus grows on most everything they tried.

From Salon

They've since discovered that combining the fungus with a wide range of ingredients provides a texture and flavor additive that can transform even the trickiest alt-protein dishes into a culinary star.

From Salon

The two chefs have used N. intermedia to improve the texture of sausages made with a mixture of meat and grains or vegetables, and brought rock-hard bread "back to life" by fermenting it with the fungus and keeping it out of local landfills.

From Salon

Related Words

• affliction
• canker
• decay
• eyesore
• infestation
• mildew
• pest
• scourge