fungus

fungus Definition

fun·gus (fuŋ′gəs)

noun pl. fun′gi′fun′jī′, fuŋ′gī′ or fun′·guses

any of a large division (Eumycota) of thallophytes, including molds, mildews, mushrooms, rusts, and smuts, which are parasites on living organisms or feed upon dead organic material, 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
something that grows suddenly and rapidly like a fungus

Etymology: L, a mushroom, fungus < Gr dial. (Attic) sphongos, var. of Gr spongos, sponge

adjective

of, like, or caused by a fungus; fungous

fungus Synonyms

fungus Usage Examples

Converse of subject

cause: Athlete's Foot is caused by a fungus that attacks the sole of the foot or the skin between the toes.

Converse of object

Adjective modifier

mycorrhizal: In orchid seeds, the nutrients required for germination are provided by a mycorrhizal fungus with which it forms an association.
pathogenic: Leaving grass too long can encourage a microclimate more suitable for the pathogenic fungi.
filamentous: There are several different types of these substances; all of them are produced by filamentous fungi.
arbuscular: Often - but not always - the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi also produce large, swollen vesicles, which are thought to contain nutrient reserves.
edible: Also, vastly increasing my knowledge of edible woodland fungi!
entomopathogenic: Can entomopathogenic fungi be used to produce a cheap organic pesticide for sustainable malaria control?

Modifies a noun

aspergillus: The soil and plants inside your house and outside are a source of the fungus aspergillus which grows in decaying vegetation.
gnat: They were sitting in standing stagnant water when " rescued " from Home Depot, and have tons of fungus gnats.
foray: Probably the most common question on a fungi foray.
phytophthora: In 1845 the potato blight - caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans - appeared in the United Kingdom causing great hardship for many people.
infestans: In 1845 the potato blight - caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans - appeared in the United Kingdom causing great hardship for many people.
fusarium: The RR cultivars were susceptible to sudden death from infection by the fungus Fusarium solani.

Noun used with modifier

take-all: Fig 9.11 A wheat root at different magnifications, infected by the take-all fungus, Gaeumannomyces graminis.
mildew: Downy mildew fungi are among the most important diseases of crop plants, accounting for approximately 17 % of global fungicide sales.
toenail: Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash.
wood-rotting: Role of fungi as a carbon resource cycling: wood-rotting fungi.
honey: Treatment There are no chemical cures for honey fungus.
rot: Growth: 40 ft in 20 years Can be very susceptible to dry rot fungus.

fungus Quotes

A truly good book is something as wildly natural and primitive, mysterious and marvelous, ambrosial and fertile, as a fungus or a lichen.

—Thoreau, Henry David

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