fungal

adjective

fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl How to pronounce fungal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fungi
2
: caused by a fungus
a fungal skin disease

Examples of fungal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Common Pests & Plant Diseases Pampas grass may be susceptible to fungal infections in overly moist or shady locations. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2023 However, insect bites, fungal infections, impetigo, and shingles are also extremely common, adds Michael Jacobs, MD, a dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and medical technology director at Cortina. Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 8 Sep. 2023 Long strands of fungal hyphae can hold the aggregates together and earthworms and other large organisms also work to create pore space. oregonlive, 7 Sep. 2023 Scientists know surprisingly little about the fungal kingdom despite its importance for our health, food and environment; according to conservative estimates, only 10 percent of species have been identified, Luangsa-ard says. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2023 But there is plenty of evidence for fungal pathogens moving to new areas, via animals and bats, and on winds and wildfire smoke as well. Maryn McKenna, WIRED, 25 Aug. 2023 Consumers should not purchase and immediately stop using certain eye drops due to potential bacterial or fungal contamination, according to a warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration. Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2023 The most immediate method to reduce infection is to simply trim off buds or branch tips that have heavy fungal growth since infected flower buds tend not to open normally anyway (no great loss then), though this can delay rebloom. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2023 Federal health regulators are warning consumers to immediately stop using two additional eye drop products because of potential bacterial or fungal contamination. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fungal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fungal was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near fungal

Cite this Entry

“Fungal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fungal. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

fungal

adjective
fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl How to pronounce fungal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or resembling fungi
2
: caused by a fungus
a fungal skin disease

Medical Definition

fungal

adjective
fun·​gal ˈfəŋ-gəl How to pronounce fungal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of fungi
2
: caused by a fungus
fungal infections

More from Merriam-Webster on fungal

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