fruiting body

noun

plural fruiting bodies
: a structure (as of a moss or liverwort) specialized for producing spores
especially : the spore-producing organ of a fungus or slime mold : sporophore

Examples of fruiting body in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The tan to grey spots have dark brown margins with tiny black dots (fungal fruiting bodies) in the center of the spot. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025 Giant fruiting bodies of the potent fungi, which contain the mind-bending compound of psilocybin and other tryptamines, stand tall at his newest venture, the drug development company Ajna BioSciences. Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Or could a mushroom also be synonymous with its fungal roots, otherwise known as mycelium, from which the fruiting bodies sprout? Mattha Busby, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 Real Mushrooms’ supplements are made from fruiting bodies, and grown outdoors in China to reduce costs. Mattha Busby, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fruiting body

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fruiting body was in 1887

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fruiting body.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruiting%20body. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

fruiting body

noun
: a plant organ specialized for producing spores

Medical Definition

fruiting body

noun
fruit·​ing body ˈfrüt-iŋ- How to pronounce fruiting body (audio)
: a plant organ specialized for producing spores
especially : sporophore
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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