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fruiting body
noun
plural fruiting bodies
: a structure (as of a moss or liverwort) specialized for producing spores
especially
: the spore-producing organ of a fungus or slime mold : sporophore
Examples of fruiting body in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These varieties produce drab-looking but tasty fruiting bodies called truffles, which mammals like dogs or boars will find by smell—then dig up and eat.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
The more mature fruiting body has been associated with additional anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 8 Jan. 2025
The light measurements showed that the recognizable fruiting body of M. crocata that stands apart from the stipe base, is non-luminous.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
For example, some brands boast that their mushroom extracts came from the fruiting bodies of the fungi, rather than harvesting less-mature spores.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 8 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1887, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fruiting body
Cite this Entry
“Fruiting body.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruiting%20body. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
fruiting body
noun
: a plant organ specialized for producing spores
Medical Definition
fruiting body
noun
fruit·ing body
ˈfrüt-iŋ-
: a plant organ specialized for producing spores
especially
: sporophore
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