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Glite Dictionary
rhizomorph

rhizomorph

9.9
A thick root-like mass of threads that helps a fungus spread
  • noun
  • /ˈraɪzoʊˌmɔrf/
  • Specialized
translation icon : rizomorfo
  • Scientists discovered a network of rhizomorphs that helped the trees exchange nutrients.

Examples

  • The forest floor was covered with rhizomorphs connecting various fungi underground.

  • When examining the soil, the researcher noted the presence of rhizomorphs indicating fungal growth.

  • Figure 16. Young squamule forming on rhizomorphs of Aspicilia crespiana Rico from the capture of compatible algal cells contacted within the substrate. Scale bar = 50 m.

    Academic text (2001)

How Root-Like

root
258 1.0
rhizomorph
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

rhizomorph singular
rhizomorphs plural

Morphology

rhizomorph = rhizo + morph (semi-transparent) = rhizo + morph

While 'rhizo' and 'morph' are clear in meaning, the specific biological context of a fungal structure may not be immediately apparent to all learners.

Etymology

The word rhizomorph comes from Greek parts rhizo- meaning 'root' and -morph meaning 'form' or 'shape', so it literally means 'root-like form'. A simple image is a thick bundle of fungal 'threads' that look like roots, which is why such root-like masses are called rhizomorphs.