fungus

noun, often attributive

fun·gus | \ ˈfəŋ-gəs

plural fungi\ ˈfən-ˌjī

, ˈfəŋ-ˌgī

\ also funguses\ ˈfəŋ-gə-səz

Definition of fungus

: any of a kingdom (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts

Examples of fungus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists say the amphibian chytrid fungus is one reason, but climate change also may contribute to some pools drying up before tadpoles mature. — Patricia Edmonds, National Geographic, "This toad’s sex life hinges on finding the perfect pool," 17 June 2019 Because boxwood blight is spread by landscapers pruning with tools covered with the fungus from diseased shrubs, Zaranti said people who do their own yardwork and use their own tools need not worry about their shrubs contracting blight. — Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun, "Polar vortex blamed for browning boxwoods and other trees, shrubs," 9 June 2019 But even if crop yields are affected only minimally, the aspergillus fungus continues to be a problem after the crops are harvested. — Nutrition Diva Monica Reinagel, Scientific American, "Aflatoxins in Nuts: Danger or Hype?," 6 June 2019 The report states that the fungus may be able to infect nearly any snake on the planet, which means there’s a good chance snake communities across the world could be in jeopardy. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "A Mysterious Disease Is Killing Snakes Around the World," 23 Dec. 2017 Earlier this year, scientists in England tried embedded fungus inside concrete to give it self-healing abilities. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Make Concrete With Trash Instead of Cement," 12 July 2018 The researchers collected fungus from black stem borers in an Ohio woodland. — Science | AAAS, "Ambrosia beetles nurture their gardens of fungus with alcohol," 9 Apr. 2018 To keep your garden thriving, add one aspirin per gallon of watering water in order to prevent fungus from growing around the roots of fresh flowers. — Womansday.com Staff, Woman's Day, "5 Ways with... Aspirin," 9 June 2010 Along with those critters, another natural pest control is Beauveria bassiana, a fungus found in soils. — Rob Dunn, Discover Magazine, "Our Attempts to Eradicate Insects are Just Making them Resistant to Pesticides," 16 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fungus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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20 Jun 2019

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The first known use of fungus was in 1527

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More Definitions for fungus

fungus

noun

fun·gus | \ ˈfəŋ-gəs

plural fungi\ ˈfən-ˌjī , -ˌgī \ also funguses

Kids Definition of fungus

: any member of the kingdom of living things (as mushrooms, molds, and rusts) that have no chlorophyll, must live in or on plants, animals, or decaying material, and were formerly considered plants

fungus

noun, often attributive

fun·gus | \ ˈfəŋ-gəs

plural fungi\ ˈfən-ˌjī also ˈfəŋ-ˌgī \ also funguses\ ˈfəŋ-gə-səz

Medical Definition of fungus

1 : any of the kingdom Fungi of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts

2 : infection with a fungus