Main Entry: scle·ro·tium

Pronunciation: \sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)əm\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural scle·ro·tia \-sh(ē-)ə\

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek *sklērōtos

Date: 1871

: a compact mass of hardened mycelium stored with reserve food material that in some higher fungi becomes detached and remains dormant until a favorable opportunity for growth occurs

— scle·ro·tial \-ˈrō-shəl\ adjective