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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for fruiting body 

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fruiting body was in 1887

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- How to pronounce fruiting body (audio)
: a plant organ specialized for producing spores
especially : sporophore
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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