noun

fungus

/ˈfʌŋɡəs/ · say it: FUNG·gus

an organism such as a mold, yeast, or mushroom

In more detail

1. (noun) a type of organism without leaves or roots, such as mushrooms, toadstools, and mold, that grows on plants, soil, or other surfaces

2. (noun) a disease of the skin or nails caused by fungal growth

Examples

1. The damp bathroom had fungus growing on the walls.
2. He developed a fungus on his fingernail after the injury.

How to use fungus

Fungus is used in both biological and medical contexts. In biology, it refers to a kingdom of organisms distinct from plants and animals that reproduce via spores. In medicine, it commonly describes infections of the skin, nails, or mucous membranes. The plural is fungi (occasionally funguses in informal usage).

Common phrases

fungal infection
fungus grows
treat a fungus
fungus spreads
fungus on the skin
nail fungus

Synonyms

mold · mildew · mushroom · toadstool · yeast

Word family

fungal (adjective) · fungi (plural noun) · fungous (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners often confuse the plural form, using 'funguses' instead of the standard Latin plural 'fungi'; also, 'fungus' and 'fungal' are sometimes mixed up as nouns versus adjectives.

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