mycorrhiza

noun

my·​cor·​rhi·​za ˌmī-kə-ˈrī-zə How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio)
plural mycorrhizae ˌmī-kə-ˈrī-ˌzē How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio) also mycorrhizas
: the symbiotic association of the mycelium of a fungus with the roots of a seed plant
mycorrhizal adjective

Examples of mycorrhiza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In exchange, the mycorrhiza passes phosphorous and other inert minerals and nutrients that fuel more productive growth and resilient plants. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 The sugar is converted by the mycorrhiza depositing solid organic carbon permanently in the soil. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 Intertwining their root systems, the plant converts light into sugar through photosynthesis and passes the sugars down to the mycorrhiza. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 Ectomycorrhizas are a different type of symbiotic fungi that surround some types of tree roots, rather than getting right into their cells like arbuscular mycorrhiza. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2021 The way plants and fungi work together is through a symbiotic association known as a mycorrhiza. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2021 And perhaps more important, as plants pull carbon from the air, their roots inject some of it into the soil, feeding microorganisms and fungi called mycorrhiza. Moises Velasquez-Manoff, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2018 There are many relationships between plants, insects and soil organisms specific to each community; one very specific and important relationship to the community is mycorrhiza. Patrice Hanlon, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2017

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from myc- + Greek rhiza root — more at root

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mycorrhiza was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near mycorrhiza

Cite this Entry

“Mycorrhiza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mycorrhiza. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mycorrhiza

noun
my·​cor·​rhi·​za ˌmī-kə-ˈrī-zə How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio)
plural mycorrhizae -ˌzē How to pronounce mycorrhiza (audio) also mycorrhizas
: the joining of a fungus and the root of a plant in which the fungus grows around or through the root providing nutrients and water to it and receiving food from it

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