sclerotium

noun

scle·ro·tium sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)əm

plural sclerotia sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)ə

: a compact mass of hardened mycelium stored with reserve food material that in some higher fungi becomes detached and remains dormant until a favorable opportunity for growth occurs

sclerotial

sklə-ˈrō-shəl

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek *sklērōtos

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sclerotium was in 1871

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sclerotium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sclerotium. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

sclerotium

noun

scle·ro·tium sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)əm

plural sclerotia -sh(ē-)ə

: a compact mass of hardened mycelium (as an ergot) stored with reserve food material that in some higher fungi becomes detached and remains dormant until a favorable opportunity for growth occurs