fungus

fun-gus · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Any member of a large group of organisms that includes mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and mildews, which feed on organic matter and reproduce by spores.

  2. 2.

    A growth or infection caused by a parasitic fungus on the skin or other body parts.

Forms

plural: fungi

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fungal infection — a disease caused by fungus
  • •
    fun guy/fungi — a common pun on the similar pronunciation

Related words

See also: fungal, mold, mushroom, yeast
Synonyms: mold, mushroom, yeast

Etymology

From Latin fungus ("mushroom, fungus"), possibly related to Greek spongos ("sponge").