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

Tests with other organisms showed that the method can even replicate the root structure of fungi, called hyphae.

From Science Daily

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

A cold-loving fungus that has killed millions of bats across North America has significantly expanded its footprint in California, potentially taking hold from the northern to the southern tip of the state.

From Los Angeles Times

"Trees and wood; plants, flowers, fruit and nuts; and fungi play a crucial role in the balance of the ecosystem in all the parks and are an important food source for wildlife," they say.

From BBC

But every year, California growers apply more than 180 million pounds of pesticides to crops in an effort to defend them from weeds, fungi, insects and other pests.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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