Fungus Definition

fŭnggəs

fungi, funguses

noun

Any of a large division (Eumycota) of thallophytes, including molds, mildews, mushrooms, rusts, and smuts, that are parasites on living organisms or that feed upon dead organic material: fungi lack chlorophyll, true roots, stems, and leaves, and reproduce by means of spores: in some systems of biological classification, these organisms are placed in a separate kingdom (Fungi) and are not considered to be plants.

Webster's New World

Something that grows suddenly and rapidly like a fungus.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

adjective

Of, like, or caused by a fungus; fungous.

Webster's New World

other

Ascomycete, basidiomycete, mushroom, toadstool, yeast.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Fungus

Noun

Singular:

fungus

Plural:

fungi

Origin of Fungus

From Latin fungus (“mushroom”). Compare Ancient Greek σπόγγος (spongos).

From Wiktionary
Latin perhaps akin to Greek spongos, sphongos sponge

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition