Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of organism: A fungus is a member of the kingdom Fungi. These organisms lack chlorophyll (the green pigment plants use to make food) and must obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their surroundings. They include a wide variety of forms, from single-celled yeasts to large multicellular mushrooms and molds.

Usage

• The word "fungus" is a countable noun. Its most common plural forms are fungi (pronounced /ˈfʌn.dʒaɪ/ or /ˈfʌŋ.ɡaɪ/) and funguses. "Fungi" is often used in scientific or formal contexts.
• It is used to refer to the organism itself, whether visible (like a mushroom) or microscopic (like a yeast).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Mushrooms, molds, and yeasts are all types of fungus.
  • A poisonous fungus was growing on the fallen log.
  • The damp walls were covered in fungus.
  • Athlete's foot is caused by a skin fungus.

Advanced Usage

• "Fungus" as a mass noun: Sometimes used in a general, non-countable way to refer to fungal growth.
  • The basement smelled of damp and fungus.
• In pathology, it refers to an infection.
  • The doctor prescribed an ointment for the fungus on his nails.

Variants and Related Words

• Fungal (adjective): Relating to or caused by a fungus.
  • A fungal infection.
• Fungi (plural noun): The standard plural form in scientific contexts.
  • Many fungi play a crucial role in decomposing dead matter.
• Fungicide (noun): A chemical that destroys fungus.
  • They sprayed fungicide on the crops.

Synonyms

• Mold (especially for fuzzy, growing fungi on surfaces).
• Mushroom (specifically for the fruiting body of some fungi).
• Yeast (specifically for single-celled fungi used in baking and brewing).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To grow like a fungus: To spread or increase very rapidly and often undesirably.
  • The new housing estates grew like a fungus on the edge of the town.
• A fungus among us: A humorous or informal play on words, suggesting something or someone unwanted is present.

Noun

1. an organism of the kingdom Fungi lacking chlorophyll and feeding on organic matter; ranging from unicellular or multicellular organisms to spore-bearing syncytia