I. ˈfəŋgəs noun
( plural fun·gi ˈfənˌjī, ˈfəŋˌgī ; also funguses )
Etymology: Latin, probably modification of Greek spongos sponge, probably of non-Indo-European origin; akin to the source of Armenian sung sponge
1. : any of numerous chiefly saprophytic or parasitic plants that constitute the division Fungi; lack true chlorophyll; have a body made up of single cells or of filamentous coenocytic or septate hyphae arranged in a soft mycelium or in some cases partially disposed in complex highly specialized and characteristic fruiting bodies; often exhibit complex alternation of generations with very distinct sexual and asexual phases; include the molds, mildews, rusts, smuts, mushrooms, toadstools, and puffballs, and usually the yeasts, bacteria, and slime molds; and are often destructive pathogens of plants, man, and lower animals but have representatives that are used for food or are greatly valued for the organic fermentations that they produce
a cellar wall covered with fungus
a fungus -proof coating for leather
edible ground fungi
2.
[Late Latin or obsolete French; obsolete French, from Middle French, from Late Latin, from Latin, fungus (plant)]
: an abnormal spongy growth ; especially : a mass of spongy granulations
3. : infection with a fungus or disease caused by it ; specifically : a serious highly contagious skin disease of freshwater fishes especially in hatcheries and aquaria caused by a mold ( Saprolegnia ferax )
4. : something resembling a fungus
the blighting of everything fair … with the garish fungus of greed — Herman Wouk
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to become infected with a fungus
a few impounded Chinook, however, fungused rapidly and … usually died — Scientific American