English · Nature & Environment
fungus
/ˈfʌŋ.ɡəs/
[/ˈfʌŋ.ɡəs/]
mould or mushroom
Intermediatenoun
Definition
An organism such as a mushroom, mould, or yeast that feeds on organic matter and reproduces by spores.
Example
A pale fungus sprouted from the rotting log after several days of heavy autumn rain.
A pale fungus sprouted from the rotting log after several days of heavy autumn rain.
Etymology
From Latin 'fungus', meaning mushroom.
How & Where It’s Used
Singular of 'fungi'; used in biology and everyday talk of mushrooms and mould.