mushroom

mush-room · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A fungal growth that typically takes the form of a domed cap on a stalk, often edible.

  2. 2.

    Something that resembles a mushroom in shape.

  3. 3.

    (as verb) To spread, grow, or expand rapidly.

Forms

plural: mushrooms

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    mushroom cloud — the distinctive cloud formed by a nuclear explosion
  • •
    spring up like mushrooms — to appear suddenly in large numbers
  • •
    kept in the dark like a mushroom — to be deliberately kept uninformed

Related words

See also: fungus, toadstool, truffle
Synonyms: fungus, toadstool

Etymology

From Old French mousseron, possibly from mousse ("moss"), referring to the mossy places where mushrooms grow.