sclerotium

scle·ro·tium

noun \sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)əm\

plural scle·ro·tia \-sh(ē-)ə\

Definition of SCLEROTIUM

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