fungus

Everyday

1. A fungus is a living thing such as a mushroom, toadstool, mould or yeast that is neither a plant nor an animal; it feeds on dead or living things. tree →
2. Fungus is a growth of mould on food, walls or skin. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, fungi are decomposers that break down dead leaves and logs; yeast makes bread rise; mould grows on old bread; some fungi cause athlete's foot. In safety, never eat wild mushrooms — some are deadly poisonous. Phrases: «fungus on the bread», «grow fungus», «fungal infection».

Examples

• A mushroom is a kind of fungus. tree →
• Fungi help break down dead leaves on the forest floor. tree →
• There's green fungus on that old bread. tree →
• Yeast is a tiny fungus used to make bread. tree →
• Never pick and eat wild fungi. tree →
• Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus. tree →
• Fungus grew on the damp wall. tree →
• But Iktomi's ears were like the fungus on a tree. tree →

Note

Plural: usually «fungi» (said «FUN-gy» or «FUN-ghee»), sometimes «funguses». Adjective: «fungal». Fungi are not plants: they do not make their own food from sunlight. Not a number word.