Acervulus is a botanical term that refers to a small fruiting body that is produced by certain fungi. The word consists of five syllables, each with a specific sound represented by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is /ə/ as in "uh," the second is /sɛr/ as in "sir," the third is /və/ as in "va," the fourth is /lu/ as in "loo," and the final syllable is /s/ as in "ss." Thus, the correct pronunciation of acervulus is /əˈsɛrvəlus/.
An acervulus refers to a small structure or cluster formed by certain fungi, particularly those belonging to the order Erysiphales, commonly known as powdery mildews. These fungi are characterized by their ability to grow on the surface of plant tissues. The acervulus, also known as an acervium or a powdery mildew fruiting body, is a distinct assemblage of fungal hyphae, conidiophores, and conidia.
Typically, acervuli are oval or circular in shape and appear as dark, powdery patches on the affected plant surfaces. They can be found on various parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. Acervuli are enclosed within the epidermal cells of the infected host and develop as a result of the host's response to the fungal invasion.
These acervuli serve as specialized reproductive structures where conidia, which are asexual spores, are produced. The conidia are dispersed by various means, such as wind, insects, or water, to initiate new infections on susceptible plant hosts.
The formation and presence of acervuli are important diagnostic features for identifying powdery mildew infections. They play a crucial role in the life cycle of powdery mildew fungi, facilitating their reproduction and spread. The word "acervulus" itself is derived from the Latin term "acervus," meaning "heap" or "pile," which accurately describes the clustered appearance of this fungal structure.
The sabulous matter, composed of epithelial cells and lime concretions, filling the follicles of the pineal body; brain-sand.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word acervulus has Latin origins. It is derived from the Latin word acervus, which means heap or pile. The suffix -ulus is a diminutive form, indicating a small or diminutive heap. Thus, acervulus roughly translates to little heap or little pile.