mushroom
mushroom Lexical Profile
mushroom Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The edible fleshy fruiting body of various cultivated or wild fungi, such as Agaricus bisporus, widely used and classified in cooking as a savory vegetable.
"She sliced each fresh mushroom thinly before sautéing them in olive oil and garlic for the pasta sauce."
A spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically consisting of a rounded, domed, or flat cap atop a cylindrical stalk, growing above ground on soil or decaying organic matter.
"After three days of autumn rain, a cluster of bright red mushrooms appeared at the base of the decaying birch tree."
A pale brownish-gray or muted beige color resembling that of a button mushroom.
"The interior designer upholstered the armchairs in soft mushroom and cream linen."
• verb
To increase, spread, or develop very rapidly in size, number, or extent.
"What began as a modest neighborhood book club quickly mushroomed into a citywide literacy organization."
To rise and spread out into a flattened or dome-like shape resembling a mushroom cap (especially of a cloud of smoke or a soft projectile upon impact).
"A thick column of volcanic ash rose high into the atmosphere and mushroomed across the horizon."
To forage for or gather wild mushrooms in fields or woodlands.
"Every autumn, experienced mycologists and local chefs go mushrooming in the damp pine forests."
• adjective
Having a pale brownish-gray or pinkish-beige color resembling that of a common cultivated mushroom.
"They painted the living room walls a warm mushroom shade to complement the oak flooring."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French mousseron, likely derived from Late Latin mussirio or associated with Old French mousse ('moss'), referring to the damp, mossy woodland habitats where fungi grow.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.