Meaning & Definition of word "Mushroom"
to
Mushroom
/ˈmʌʃ.rʊm/
noun:
- 1. A type of fungi that typically has a rounded cap and a stalk, many of which are edible.
- Example: She sautéed some mushrooms to add to the pasta.
- 2. Any of various fleshy fungi, especially those that have a stalk and a cap.
- Example: The forest was filled with mushrooms after the rainy season.
- 3. A fungus, especially one with a cap and stalk, that bears spores on its underside.
- Example: He found a large mushroom growing in his backyard.
- 4. A mushroom-shaped growth or defect, often in biology or geology.
- Example: The coral reef formed a mushroom structure under the water.
verb:
- 1. To increase rapidly in number or amount; to expand or grow quickly.
- Example: The population in the city began to mushroom after the discovery of new job opportunities.
- 2. To develop well or to become more prominent suddenly.
- Example: Her career began to mushroom once she signed with a top agent.
Etymology
Middle English, alteration of morschelle, from Old French morchelle.
Common Phrases and Expressions
mushroom cloud:
A large, often billowing cloud of smoke and debris that rises up after a nuclear explosion.
to mushroom:
To increase rapidly or to spread out quickly.
Related Words
fungi:
A kingdom of living organisms that includes mushrooms and yeasts.
spore:
The reproductive unit of fungi, capable of developing into a new individual.
Slang Meanings of mushroom
Meaning: To grow or increase rapidly.
Example Sentence: The new business started to mushroom after a successful marketing campaign.
Meaning: To become intoxicated or high, especially from hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Example Sentence: They decided to mushroom on the weekend during the festival.