(きんるい)

きんるい
noun
fungi; fungal organisms
formalsciencenature
1. fungi; fungal organisms
The biological kingdom of organisms that includes mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. These organisms lack chlorophyll and obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter.
きのこ菌類(きんるい)一種(いっしゅ)だ。
Mushrooms are a type of fungus.
Fungi play an important role in the ecosystem.
菌類(きんるい)有益(ゆうえき)なもの有害(ゆうがい)なものある
There are both beneficial and harmful fungi.

Composed of (きん) (fungus, germ, bacteria) + (るい) (kind, category). A scientific classification term covering all fungal organisms.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 細菌(さいきん): bacteria — a different kingdom of microorganisms; often confused with fungi
  • カビ: mold — a specific type of fungus; everyday term
  • 酵母(こうぼ): yeast — a type of single-celled fungus used in brewing and baking
  • きのこ: mushroom — the visible fruiting body of certain fungi

Usage

A formal, scientific term. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to refer to specific types of fungi (きのこ for mushrooms, カビ for mold) rather than using the umbrella term 菌類(きんるい).