fungus
[ˈfʊŋ.ɡʊs]masculine
The English phrase mushroom is translated into Latin as fungus. Wiktionary also lists bōlētus.
Meaning: fruiting body of a fungus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fungus | [ˈfʊŋ.ɡʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfuŋ.ɡus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| bōlētus | masculine |
The word refers to the fruiting body of a fungus.
Which one should you use?
While fungus is the most common term for a mushroom, bōlētus names a prized edible mushroom that classical authors such as Martial and Juvenal mention at Roman dinners.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of fungus is fungi. When the mushroom is the direct object of a sentence, the form fungus becomes fungum (accusative case).
Did you know?
- Ancient Romans used the term fungus to describe not only mushrooms but also any spongy growth or protrusion.
- The word fungus is related to the Ancient Greek spóngos, which is where the English word 'sponge' originates.
- In Latin medical texts, the word fungus was often used to describe certain types of tumors or growths because of their appearance.
Examples in context
- Hic fungus idoneus ad edendum non est.This mushroom is not good to eat.This sentence is useful for expressing that a fungus is not suitable for eating.Tatoeba #5029963 by alexmarcelo, translation #61203 by CK
- Estne fungus?Is that a mushroom?This sentence is useful for asking if something is a fungus.Tatoeba #10653809 by carlosalberto, translation #8984138 by CK
- In silvā fungus inventus est.A mushroom was found in the forest.
Example conversation
Claudia and Lucius are looking at a plant in the garden.
- ClaudiaQuid est hic fungus?What is this mushroom?
- LuciusHic fungus est periculosus.This mushroom is dangerous.
- ClaudiaNon debemus eum tangere.We must not touch it.
- LuciusIta, recede.Yes, move back.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mushroom” translations and entries fungus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fungus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
