Meaning & use
funguses
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“funguses” is a form of “fungus”.
Meaning
nounpluralbiology
more than one fungus; organisms like molds, mushrooms, and yeasts
Grammar: This is the plural form; the singular is 'fungus'. It takes a plural verb: Funguses grow in damp places.
Patterns
- funguses grow
- a type of fungus
Different funguses can grow on old bread and fruit.
The doctor said the infection was caused by funguses.
Some funguses are helpful and are used to make cheese.
Word forms
| singular | fungus |
|---|---|
| alternative plural | fungi |
Common combinations
- funguses grow
- These funguses grow best in warm, wet conditions.
- harmful funguses
- Harmful funguses can damage crops.
- types of funguses
- Scientists study many types of funguses.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fungi
- The more common scientific plural; use it in academic or formal contexts.
Word family
- fungus noun
- Singular form: a fungus grew on the tree.
- fungal adjective
- Relating to fungus: a fungal infection.
- fungicide noun
- A substance that kills fungus.
Commonly confused: funguses or fungi?
funguses vs fungi
'Fungi' is the Latin plural and is standard in science. 'Funguses' is an English plural that some people use in everyday speech, but it may sound less educated in academic writing.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'funguses' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Funguses' is plural, so it takes a plural verb and cannot follow 'a'. Option B is correct. Option A uses a singular verb, option C uses 'a' with a plural, and option D is grammatically possible but less natural than 'fungi' in a scientific context; however, B is the only fully correct sentence.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “funguses”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.