mycelium

[ mahy-see-lee-uhm ]

noun

, Mycology.

, plural my·ce·li·a [mahy-, see, -lee-, uh].

1. the mass of hyphae that form the vegetative part of a fungus.

mycelium

/ ˈmaɪsɪˌlɔɪd; maɪˈsiːlɪəm /

noun

1. the vegetative body of fungi: a mass of branching filaments (hyphae) that spread throughout the nutrient substratum

mycelium

/ mī-sē′lē-əm /

, Plural mycelia

1. The mass of fine branching tubes (known as hyphae ) that forms the main growing structure of a fungus. Visible structures like mushrooms are reproductive structures produced by the mycelium.

Derived Forms

• myceloid, adjective
• myˈcelial, adjective

Other Words From

• my·celi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mycelium¹

1830–40; < New Latin, equivalent to Greek myk- myc- + ( h ) ḗl ( os ) wart, nail + New Latin -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of mycelium¹

C19 (literally: nail of fungus): from myco- + Greek hēlos nail

Example Sentences

Although fungi often bring to mind mushroom caps, fungi also have underground "roots" called mycelia.

From Science Daily

First of all, they are not green and do not engage in photosynthesis, but rather feed on fungal mycelia in the ground.

From Science Daily

For a mushroom to grow, a fungal spore has to set up shop on a surface and produce mycelia.

From New York Times

The mycelium fibers from the fruiting body contain proteins, chitin, and polysaccharides, which make them ideal for making packaging materials, soundproofing, textiles, and much more.

From Science Daily

When A. oligospora senses a nearby nematode, it relies on pheromones to lure nematodes to its mycelium, the underground network of microscopic threads that make up a fungus.

From National Geographic