Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of fungus: Specifically, the apothecium (the spore-producing, cup-shaped fruiting body) of a fungus belonging to the family Pezizaceae. These fungi are often small, brightly colored, and cup-shaped, resembling tiny goblets.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We found a cluster of bright red elf cups growing on the damp, rotting log.
  • Under the microscope, the structure of the elf cup was clearly visible.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific context: In mycology, "elf cup" is a common name used to refer to several species within the genera and , characterized by their cup-shaped apothecia.
  • The scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea) is a common find in early spring.

Variants and Related Words

• Peziza (n): A large genus of cup fungi, many of which are commonly called "elf cups".
• Sarcoscypha (n): Another genus containing species known as elf cups, such as the scarlet elf cup.
• Apothecium (n): The scientific term for the cup-shaped, spore-bearing fruiting body characteristic of these fungi.

Synonyms

• Cup fungus: A general term for fungi with a cup-shaped fruiting body.
• Discomycete: A member of a former taxonomic class (Discomycetes) that included many cup-shaped fungi like elf cups.

Related Phrases

• Scarlet elf cup: The common name for , a vividly red species.
• Peziza aurantia: Often called the "orange peel fungus" or "orange elf cup".

Noun

1. apothecium of a fungus of the family Pezizaceae