sclerotium

noun scle·ro·tium \ sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)əm \

Definition of sclerotium

plural sclerotia play \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

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sclerotial

play \sklə-ˈrō-shəl\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of sclerotium

New Latin, from Greek *sklērōtos

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First Known Use: 1871

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

sclerotium

noun scle·ro·tium \ sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)əm \

medical Definition of sclerotium

plural sclerotia play \-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