Definition

1. 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.

Noun

1. extremely poisonous usually white fungus with a prominent cup-shaped base; differs from edible Agaricus only in its white gills
2. fungus similar to Amanita phalloides