Fungus: meaning, definitions and examples

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fungus

[ ˈfʌŋɡəs ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical

A fungus is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms.

Synonyms

mold, mushroom, yeast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fungus	Used broadly in scientific or medical contexts to refer to a group of organisms that include molds, yeasts, and mushrooms. A fungus can be responsible for infections in humans. The forest floor was covered in various types of fungus.
mold	Refers specifically to fungi that grow in multicellular filaments and are often found in damp or decaying environments. Often considered harmful or undesirable. The bread was covered in green mold after a week. Mold grew quickly in the damp basement.
yeast	Refers to unicellular fungi, commonly used in baking and brewing because they can ferment sugars. Yeast is an essential ingredient for making bread rise. Beer would not be possible without yeast fermentation.
mushroom	Specifically refers to the fruiting body of a fungus, often used in culinary contexts or when discussing wild fungi in nature. We picked mushrooms in the forest for dinner. Button mushrooms are commonly used in salads.

Examples of usage

Athlete's foot is a common skin infection caused by a fungus.
Fungi play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

Fungi are essential for the ecosystem as they help in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling.

Synonyms

mold, mushroom, yeast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fungus	Used in a general scientific or biological context to describe a diverse group of organisms that include molds, mushrooms, and yeasts. The forest floor was covered with various types of fungus Fungus often thrives in damp and dark environments
mold	Refers specifically to fungi that grow in filaments and can often be seen on decaying organic matter or in damp indoor environments. It often has a negative connotation due to its association with spoilage and health issues. After the flood, mold started growing on the walls Bread that has been left out too long will develop mold
yeast	A type of single-celled fungus that is used in baking and fermentation. It is often mentioned in culinary and brewing contexts. Yeast is essential for making bread rise The brewery uses a special strain of yeast for their beer
mushroom	Denotes the above-ground fruiting body of a fungus, typically with a stem and a cap, and is often used when referring to edible varieties or as a general term for the organisms in certain contexts. We went foraging for mushrooms in the woods Sautéed mushrooms make a great addition to this dish

Examples of usage

The mycelium of the fungus spreads through the soil, breaking down dead plant material.
Some fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, helping them absorb nutrients.

Translations

Translations of the word "fungus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fungo

🇮🇳 कवक

🇩🇪 Pilz

🇮🇩 jamur

🇺🇦 грибок

🇵🇱 grzyb

🇯🇵 菌類 (きんるい)

🇫🇷 champignon

🇪🇸 hongo

🇹🇷 mantar

🇰🇷 균류

🇸🇦 فطر

🇨🇿 houba

🇸🇰 huba

🇨🇳 真菌 (zhēnjūn)

🇸🇮 goba

🇮🇸 sveppur

🇰🇿 зең

🇬🇪 სოკო

🇦🇿 göbələk

🇲🇽 hongo

Etymology

The word 'fungus' originated from the Latin word 'fungus', which means mushroom. Fungi have been an essential part of the ecosystem for millions of years, playing a crucial role in decomposition and nutrient cycling. The study of fungi, known as mycology, has led to significant advancements in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,453 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8450 sanctuary
8451 germ
8452 glowing
8453 fungus
8454 detective
8455 heal
8456 nozzle
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