Puffball: meaning, definitions and examples

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puffball

 

[ หˆpสŒfหŒbษ”l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fungus type

A puffball is a type of fungus that releases spores when it matures. Unlike many other mushrooms, puffballs do not have a traditional umbrella shape and instead grow as round or pear-shaped structures. They can vary significantly in size, ranging from the size of a pea to several inches in diameter. Puffballs are often found in grassy areas, forests, and sometimes on decaying wood. When disturbed, their inner spores are puffed out, hence the name 'puffball.'

Synonyms

fungus, mushroom

Examples of usage

  • The children were excited to see a puffball in the park.
  • Puffballs can often be found after rain in the woods.
  • When the puffball was touched, it released a cloud of spores.
  • We discovered a large puffball while hiking on the trail.

Translations

Translations of the word "puffball" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bola de puff

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคซ เคฌเฅ‰เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Puffball

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bola puff

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟัƒั…ะบะฐ ะบัƒะปัŒะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kulka puff

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‘ใƒ•ใƒœใƒผใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท balle de puff

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bola de puff

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท puf topu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํผํ”„๋ณผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุฑุฉ ุงู„ุจู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pufball

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pufgule

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆณก็ƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ puf krogla

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ puffkรบla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟัƒั… ัˆะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒฃแƒคแƒ‘แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ puff topu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ bola de puff

Etymology

The term 'puffball' has its origins in the mid-15th century, derived from the Old English elements 'puff', indicating a light, airy substance, and 'ball', which suggests its rounded shape. The word combines the action of puffing, as seen when the spores are released, with the shape of the fungi, creating a descriptive term that encapsulates both their appearance and behavior. Puffballs belong to various families within the fungi kingdom, specifically the families Lycoperdaceae and Sclerodermataceae. Their existence is noted in various cultures throughout history, often being a subject of folklore or culinary interest. While many species are edible, caution is advised as some can be toxic. Thus, the name 'puffball' not only evokes visual imagery but also conveys important information about their ecological role and potential uses.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,192, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.