noun
- the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments (hyphae) that grow through soil or organic matter
Usage: biology; mycology
Examples
- The mycelium of the mushroom spreads underground, breaking down dead wood and leaves.
- Fungi absorb nutrients through their mycelium rather than through roots like plants do.
- A single mycelium can cover several acres of forest floor without being visible.
- The white threads you see on moldy bread are actually the mycelium of the mold fungus.
- Gardeners sometimes add mycelium to compost to speed up decomposition.