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earthball

earthball

9.9
A round fungus with a hard skin that usually grows under the ground
  • noun
  • /ˈɜrθˌbɔl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bola de tierra
  • The earthball is often mistaken for a truffle due to its tough skin and round shape.

Examples

  • While hiking in the forest, we spotted a large earthball near the base of an old tree.

  • Certain animals dig up earthballs to feed on their spore-filled interiors.

  • An earthball can often be found in wooded areas.

  • The earthball has a tough outer skin.

  • Certain animals dig up earthballs to feed on their spore-filled interiors.

  • The earthball is often mistaken for a truffle due to its tough skin and round shape.

  • While hiking in the forest, we spotted a large earthball near the base of an old tree.

Synonyms

puffball
vsearthball
4 7.9

A round mushroom that releases a cloud of spores when mature

is the more specific fungus type rather than this broad spore group
hard-skinned puffball
vsearthball
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mushroom with a hard outer skin that grows underground like a truffle

is the different common label for the same fungus
Scleroderma aurantium
vsearthball
  • Specialized
9.9

A round fungus with a hard brownish yellow skin covered in small warts and a dark purple inside

is the general fungus type rather than a single species
Scleroderma citrinum
vsearthball
  • Specialized
9.9

A round brownish-yellow fungus covered in small bumps with a dark purple inside that is not edible

is the broader fungus category rather than one particular species
Scleroderma bovista
vsearthball
  • Specialized
9.9

A round fungus like a puffball with a firm dry skin that cracks and turns reddish brown as it matures

is the general fungus type not a specific species
smooth earthball
vsearthball
  • Specialized
9.8

A round fungus with smooth outer skin when young that cracks and darkens

is the general fungus form rather than this specific smooth variety
star earthball
vsearthball
  • Specialized
9.9

A round mushroom that grows partly under sand and opens into star-shaped parts

is the general underground fungus type rather than the form that splits into segments
Scleroderma flavidium
vsearthball
  • Specialized
9.9

A round fungus with a smooth top that grows in sand and splits into ray-like segments

is the broader fungus type not the species that opens into rays

Compounds

smooth earthball
  • Specialized
9.8

A round fungus with smooth outer skin when young that cracks and darkens

star earthball
  • Specialized
9.9

A round mushroom that grows partly under sand and opens into star-shaped parts

Surface Forms

earthball singular
earthballs plural

Morphology

earthball = earth + ball (semi-transparent) = earth + ball

Formally a clear compound of 'earth' + 'ball', but the specific taxonomic meaning 'a fungus' is specialized and not predictable for average learners.

Etymology

Earthball is simply earth ('ground') plus ball ('round object'), so the name literally describes a round fungus that grows in the ground and looks like a ball or truffle.