stink-horn

A stink-horn fungus grows in the damp forest soil.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of fungus (specifically any fungus of the family Phallaceae) characterized by a foul-smelling, slimy spore mass that is often carried on a stalk-like structure. The odor attracts insects, which help disperse the spores.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hiker noticed a strange, unpleasant smell in the forest and soon found a stink-horn growing near a rotting log. (A foul-smelling fungus with a stalk-like body.)
  • Stink-horns are often found in gardens or woodlands, especially after rain, because they thrive in moist, decaying organic matter. (A type of fungus that grows in damp, decomposing environments.)

Advanced Usage

• "stink-horn" in botanical contexts: The term is used specifically to describe fungi that produce a gelatinous, spore-bearing mass (gleba) with a strong odor.
  • The stink-horn's gleba is often olive-green or brown and has a putrid smell reminiscent of rotting meat. (The spore mass of the fungus has a foul odor.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stink-horn fungus (n): A common alternative name for the same group of fungi.
  • The stink-horn fungus is also known as the "dog stinkhorn" due to its shape and odor. (A specific type of stink-horn.)

Synonyms

• Fungus: A general term for organisms like mushrooms and molds, but not a direct synonym.
• Phalloid fungus: A more technical term referring to fungi in the order Phallales, which includes stink-horns.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms are associated with "stink-horn," as it is a specialized botanical term.