pileus

noun pi·le·us \ ˈpī-lē-əs \

Definition of pileus

plural pilei play \ˈpī-lē-ˌī\

[Latin]

: a pointed or close-fitting cap worn by ancient Romans

2 : the convex, concave, or flattened spore-bearing structure of some basidiomycetes that is attached superiorly to the stem and typically is expanded with gills or pores on the underside — called also cap

Origin and Etymology of pileus

New Latin, from Latin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1663

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

pileus

noun pi·le·us \ ˈpī-lē-əs \

medical Definition of pileus

plural pilei play \-lē-ˌī\

: the convex, concave, or flattened spore-bearing structure of some basidiomycetous fungi that is attached to the top of the stem and typically is expanded with gills or pores on the underside — called also cap