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DictionaryfungusOrganism
noun

fungus

FUHNG-guhs/ˈfʌŋɡəs/

An organism that obtains nourishment by absorbing organic matter.

This fungus absorbs nutrients from the decaying wood beneath it.

A small cluster of naturally growing mushrooms on a fragment of decaying wood, with one tilted cap exposing its gills.
Etymology
fungusLatinmushroom, fungus

Latin fungus meant “mushroom,” and English initially used it as a learned alternative to mushroom. Its present scope includes molds and yeasts, not just mushrooms.

In context

NDSUExtension12:13
… gray snow mold that's starting to grow underneath and that's because that fungus likes about 32 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit
Stop Turf Problems Before They Start

More examples

  • The yeast that makes bread rise is a fungus.
  • A fungus can cause an itchy infection between your toes.
  • Many fungi help break down fallen leaves.

Forms

fungus · fungi · funguses

fungal adjective — Relating to or caused by fungi.

Similar words

mold
A type of fungus that grows in fuzzy patches.
yeast
A single-celled fungus, often used in baking and brewing.
mushroom
A fungal fruiting body, rather than the whole organism.