Pronunciation: [fˈiːme͡ɪl aɡˈaɹɪk] (IPA) 
The correct spelling for the mushroom commonly known as "female agaric" is Amanita phalloides. The word "phalloides" refers to the phallic shape of the mushroom's cap and stalk. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "Amanita phalloides" is [əˈmænɪtə fəˈlɔɪdiz]. It is important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation for this species, as it is extremely poisonous and can be deadly if ingested.
A female agaric refers to one of the common names used to designate a specific type of fungus belonging to the family Agaricaceae. Agarics are a diverse group of mushrooms characterized by their cap-like appearance, with a stem supporting the cap and gills on the underside. The term "female" is used to distinguish this particular agaric from others within the same family.
The female agaric is typically identified by several morphological features. It typically has a convex to flattened cap that may range in color from pale cream to dark brown, with a diameter varying from a few centimeters to several inches. The gills present underneath the cap are usually white or cream-colored but can also develop brown or purple hues as the mushroom matures. The stalk is cylindrical or slightly bulbous at the base, bearing a partial or complete annulus (ring) near the apex. This fungus often grows in clusters or scattered groups, appearing in various habitats like woodlands, grasslands, or on decaying organic matter such as logs or tree stumps.
The term "female" in the name does not imply a gender division within the fungal species but rather originates from early naming conventions based on visual resemblances. It is worth noting that the concept of gender does not apply to fungi in the same way it does to humans or animals. Female agarics play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers, aiding in the breakdown of organic material and nutrient cycling.
Polyporus officinalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "female agaric" consists of two parts: "female" and "agaric".
The word "female" originated from the Latin word "fēmella", which means "young woman" or "female". Over time, it has come to be used as an adjective to describe the sex of a person or organism that produces eggs or bears offspring.
The word "agaric" has its roots in Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "agarikon", which referred to a type of fungus or mushroom. This term was later borrowed into Latin as "agaricum", and eventually into Late Latin as "agaricus". In English, "agaric" refers to a group of fungi that includes mushrooms with gills on the underside of their caps.
