agaric

noun aga·ric \ ˈa-gər-ik , ə-ˈger-ik , -ˈga-rik \

Definition of agaric

1 : the dried fruiting body of a fungus (Fomes officinalis synonym Polyporus officinalis) formerly used in medicine

2 : any of a family (Agaricaceae) of fungi with the sporophore usually resembling an umbrella and with numerous gills on the underside of the cap

Origin and Etymology of agaric

Middle English agaryke, kind of mushroom used medicinally, probably Laricifomes officinalis, borrowed from Latin agaricum, a tree fungus, borrowed from Greek agarikón (Dioscorides), probably from Agaría, district of Sarmatia + -ikon, neuter of -ikos ¹-ic

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

agaric

noun aga·ric \ ˈag-ə-rik , ə-ˈgar-ik \

medical Definition of agaric

1 : the dried fruit body of a mushroom (Fomes officinalis synonym Polyporus officinalis) formerly used in the treatment of excessive perspiration (as in the night sweats of tuberculosis) — called also larch agaric

2 : a fungus of the family Agaricaceae and especially of the genus Agaricus