ScienceAugust 27, 2026

mycology

my-KOL-uh-jee

Definition

The scientific branch of biology concerned with the study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'mykes' (mushroom) and the suffix '-logia' (study of). It entered the English language in the early 19th century to formally categorize the study of fungal organisms.

In the news

The word identifies the specialized department at the Kholodny Institute where scientists struggle to preserve rare fungal strains amidst the challenges of the war in Ukraine.

Mycology in a War Zone

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Earth Island Institute

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