rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfungalRelating to fungi
adjective

fungal

FUNG-gul/ˈfʌŋɡl/

Relating to fungi, such as molds, yeasts, or mushrooms.

Mushrooms and mold show two forms of fungal growth.

A close view of mushrooms growing from a small decaying log beside a fallen fruit bearing unmistakable fuzzy mold, showing two recognizable kinds of fungal growth.
Etymology
fungLatinmushroom
+alLatinrelating to

Latin fungus meant “mushroom.” Fungal applies that name to the broader biological group, describing yeasts and molds as well as mushrooms.

In context

Shankar IAS Academy30:54
next the fungi are threat to frogs to a level because if affected by fungal infections the affected frog species could become extinct
The Hindu News Analysis | 24th May 2019 | Daily Current Affairs - UPSC Mains 2019 - Prelims 2020

More examples

  • The compost supported extensive fungal activity.
  • She studied the sample’s fungal cells.
  • The report identified a fungal cause.

Forms

fungal

fungus noun — an organism such as a mushroom, mold, or yeast

Similar words

bacterial
Bacterial concerns bacteria; fungal concerns a different group including molds and mushrooms.
microbial
Microbial concerns microscopic organisms generally; fungal also includes visible mushrooms and other fungi.