hyphal
1
9.9
Relating to the long thin threads that make up a fungus
- adjective
- /ˈhaɪfəl/
- Specialized
:
hifal
- The mycelium's hyphal structure allows it to absorb nutrients from the soil.
Examples
-
Fungi reproduce by producing spores at the tips of their hyphal extensions.
-
(a) Hyphal growth of Neurospora crassa.
Academic text (2008) -
The researcher observed the hyphal growth pattern of mushrooms under a microscope.
Synonyms
2
9.5
Connected with the thin thread-like parts of a fungus that form a network
refers to the individual threadlike filaments rather than the whole mass
Surface Forms
hyphal positive
Morphology
Etymology
The word hyphal comes from hypha, from an old Greek word meaning 'web' or 'weave', plus the ending -al meaning 'relating to'. So hyphal describes things made of thin, threadlike parts, like the threads of a spider's web, which is why we use it for the threadlike parts that make up fungi.