mycelium
|my-ce-li-um|
🇺🇸
/ˌmaɪˈsiːliəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌmɪˈsiːliəm/
network of fungal threads
Etymology
'mycelium' originates from New Latin/Neo-Latin, specifically the word 'mycelium', ultimately from Greek 'mykēs' (μύκης), where the root 'myk-' meant 'fungus'.
'mycelium' entered English in the mid 19th century from New Latin 'mycelium', which in turn was formed from Greek 'mykēs' meaning 'fungus' (via New Latin usage in biological Latin).
Initially, it meant the vegetative tissue or mass of fungal hyphae; this core meaning has been retained in modern usage, though it is now applied broadly in mycology and ecology contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine, branching filaments called hyphae; the mass of hyphae that forms the main growth and nutrient‑absorbing structure of a fungus.
The mycelium of the fungus spread through the forest litter, helping decompose dead wood.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/14 06:55