Fun"gus (?), n.; pl. L. Fungi (#), E. Funguses (#). [L., a mushroom;
perh. akin to a doubtful Gr. &?; sponge, for &?;; if so, cf. E.
sponge.] 1. (Bot.) Any one of the Fungi, a large and very complex group
of thallophytes of low organization, -- the molds, mildews, rusts,
smuts, mushrooms, toadstools, puff balls, and the allies of each.
The fungi are all destitute of chorophyll, and, therefore, to be
supplied with elaborated nourishment, must live as saprophytes or
parasites. They range in size from single microscopic cells to systems
of entangled threads many feet in extent, which develop reproductive
bodies as large as a man's head. The vegetative system consists of
septate or rarely unseptate filaments called hyphÊ; the aggregation of
hyphÊ into structures of more or less definite form is known as the
mycelium. See Fungi, in the Supplement.
2. (Med.) A spongy, morbid growth or granulation in animal bodies, as
the proud flesh of wounds. Hoblyn.
Fu"nic (?), a. (Anat.) Funicular.
Fu"ni*cle (?), n. [L. funiculus, dim. of funis cord, rope: cf. F.
funicule funicle (in sense 2). Cf. Funambulo.] (Bot.) 1. A small cord,
ligature, or fiber.