mycorrhiza

noun

my·​cor·​rhi·​za ˌmī-kə-ˈrī-zə How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio)
plural mycorrhizae ˌmī-kə-ˈrī-ˌzē How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio) also mycorrhizas
: the symbiotic association of the mycelium of a fungus with the roots of a seed plant
mycorrhizal
ˌmī-kə-ˈrī-zəl How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio)
adjective

Examples of mycorrhiza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In exchange, the mycorrhiza passes phosphorous and other inert minerals and nutrients that fuel more productive growth and resilient plants. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 The sugar is converted by the mycorrhiza depositing solid organic carbon permanently in the soil. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from myc- + Greek rhiza root — more at root

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mycorrhiza was in 1886

Rhymes for mycorrhiza

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Cite this Entry

“Mycorrhiza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mycorrhiza. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

mycorrhiza

noun
my·​cor·​rhi·​za ˌmī-kə-ˈrī-zə How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio)
plural mycorrhizae -ˌzē How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio) also mycorrhizas
: the joining of a fungus and the root of a plant in which the fungus grows around or through the root providing nutrients and water to it and receiving food from it

More from Merriam-Webster on mycorrhiza

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mycorrhiza

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