destroying angel
Học thuậtThân thiện
A forager carefully avoids the white destroying angel mushroom in the forest.
Definition
- Noun:
- A highly poisonous mushroom: "destroying angel" refers to an extremely toxic, typically white fungus characterized by a distinctive cup-shaped structure at its base. It is distinguished from edible mushrooms like Agaricus primarily by its white gills.
- A type of deadly fungus: The term can also denote a fungus that is similar in toxicity and appearance to the death cap (Amanita phalloides).
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Foragers must learn to identify the destroying angel to avoid fatal poisoning.
- The destroying angel is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide.
Advanced Usage
- In mycology: Used as a common name for several all-white, lethal species, such as and .
- The destroying angel (Amanita virosa) is prevalent in European woodlands.
Variants and Related Words
- Death cap (): Another highly poisonous mushroom, often discussed alongside the destroying angel due to similar toxicity.
- Amanita: The genus to which the destroying angel belongs.
Synonyms
- Deadly amanita: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its genus and lethality.
- White death cap: A synonym highlighting its color and deadly nature, similar to the death cap.
Notes on Meaning
- The term "destroying angel" is used exclusively for poisonous fungi. It is a fixed common name and is not used in other contexts (e.g., not for angels in religious texts or destructive people). Its meaning is specific to mycology and toxicology.
A forager carefully avoids the white destroying angel mushroom in the forest.
Noun
- extremely poisonous usually white fungus with a prominent cup-shaped base; differs from edible Agaricus only in its white gills
- fungus similar to Amanita phalloides