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Glite Dictionary
fungiform

fungiform

1 8.4
Shaped like a small mushroom, often describing tiny body parts
  • adjective
  • /ˈfʌŋɡɪˌfɔrm/
  • Specialized
: fungiforme
  • The doctor explained that the fungiform papillae on the tongue are important for tasting food.

Examples

  • The fungiform papillae on the tongue help detect taste.

  • The scientist noted the fungiform appearance of the new cell growth under the microscope.

  • Some sea creatures have fungiform structures that help them blend into their environment.

  • Some animals have fungiform structures in their anatomy.

  • The doctor explained that the fungiform papillae on the tongue are important for tasting food.

  • The scientist noted the fungiform appearance of the new cell growth under the microscope.

  • Some sea creatures have fungiform structures that help them blend into their environment.

Surface Forms

fungiform positive

Morphology

fungiform = fungus (transparent) = fungi + form

The adjective is formed from 'fungus' (mushroom) + the suffix '-form' meaning 'shaped like', so the meaning 'mushroom-shaped' is directly derivable.

Etymology

The word fungiform comes from fungus 'mushroom' and the ending -form 'shape', so it means 'mushroom-shaped'. That's why doctors use fungiform for parts that look like small mushrooms, such as some taste buds on the tongue.