Funguses

/ˈfʌŋɡəsɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural form of fungus; multiple organisms such as mushrooms, molds, and yeasts that are neither plants nor animals.

Etymology

Latin fungus (mushroom) pluralized as fungi in scientific Latin, but English also accepts the Anglicized plural 'funguses' alongside 'fungi.' The word entered English in the 1500s from Latin sources.

Kelly Says

The battle between 'fungi' and 'funguses' is still ongoing in English—scientists prefer 'fungi' because it's the Latin plural, but regular English speakers often say 'funguses,' showing how English doesn't always defer to Latin even when we adopt Latin words.

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