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.
Composed of 菌 (fungus, germ, bacteria) + 類 (kind, category). A scientific classification term covering all fungal organisms.
Common collocations
- 菌類の研究: study of fungi (mycology)
- 菌類が繁殖する: fungi proliferate
- 菌類の分類: classification of fungi
- 有害菌類: harmful fungi
Similar words
- 細菌: bacteria — a different kingdom of microorganisms; often confused with fungi
- カビ: mold — a specific type of fungus; everyday term
- 酵母: 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.