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plural fungi
ˈfən-ˌjī
ˈfəŋ-ˌgī
also funguses
ˈfəŋ-gə-səz
often attributive
: any of a kingdom (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts
Examples of fungus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Within this zone, however, scientists have discovered an unlikely survivor: a resilient black fungus called Cladosporium sphaerospermum.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
More:Could ultralight violet light save Wisconsin bats from deadly fungus?
—Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024
Wildlife officials confirmed the presence in California of a bat-killing fungus that causes white-nose syndrome.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
But that’s a fungus – doing so in animals is next-level.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Latin
First Known Use
1527, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing fungus
Dictionary Entries Near fungus
Cite this Entry
“Fungus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fungus. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
fungus
noun
fun·gus
ˈfəŋ-gəs
1
: any of a kingdom of living things (as molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, and mushrooms) that lack chlorophyll, are parasitic or live on dead or decaying organic matter, and were formerly considered plants
2
: infection with a fungus
fungus
adjective
Medical Definition
fungus
noun
fun·gus
ˈfəŋ-gəs
plural fungi
ˈfən-ˌjī also ˈfəŋ-ˌgī
also funguses
ˈfəŋ-gə-səz
often attributive
1
: any of the kingdom Fungi of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts
2
: infection with a fungus
More from Merriam-Webster on fungus
Nglish: Translation of fungus for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of fungus for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fungus
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