SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

hypha

noun
Save Word
hy·​pha | \ ˈhī-fə How to pronounce hypha (audio) \
plural hyphae\ ˈhī-​(ˌ)fē How to pronounce hypha (audio) \

Definition of hypha

: one of the threads that make up the mycelium of a fungus, increase by apical growth, and are transversely septate or nonseptate

Other Words from hypha

hyphal \ ˈhī-​fəl How to pronounce hypha (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of hypha

1866, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for hypha

New Latin, from Greek hyphē web; akin to Greek hyphos web — more at weave

Learn More About hypha

Dictionary Entries Near hypha

hypervitaminosis

hypha

Hyphaene

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for hypha

Cite this Entry

“Hypha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypha. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More Definitions for hypha

hypha

noun
hy·​pha | \ ˈhī-fə How to pronounce hypha (audio) \
plural hyphae\ -​ˌfē \

Kids Definition of hypha

: one of the fine threads that make up the body of a fungus

hypha

noun
hy·​pha | \ ˈhī-fə How to pronounce hypha (audio) \
plural hyphae\ -​(ˌ)fē How to pronounce hypha (audio) \

Medical Definition of hypha

: one of the threads that make up the mycelium of a fungus, increase by apical growth, and are coenocytic or transversely septate

Other Words from hypha

hyphal \ -​fəl How to pronounce hypha (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hypha

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypha

WORD OF THE DAY

propagate

Listen to the pronunciation of propagate

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name That Food

  • a-light
  • Name these cookies!
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games