Pronunciation: [ma͡ɪsˈiːli͡əm] (IPA) 
Mycelium, pronounced /maɪˈsiːliəm/, is a term used to refer to the network of fungal threads that form the body of a fungus. The word is derived from mycēlium in Latin, meaning "fungus". The correct spelling of "mycelium" is often confused with "mycilium" or "mycellium", but the correct spelling is spelled with a "y" and "e" immediately after "c". The /i/ sound is followed by the /l/ sound before the final sound /iəm/.
Mycelium is the thread-like network of fine, branching filaments known as hyphae that form the vegetative part of a fungus. It is the primary mode of growth and nutrient absorption for most fungi. It is a dense mat of hyphae that spreads through the soil, decaying organic matter, or living organisms that the fungus colonizes.
The mycelium acts as the infrastructure and feeding structure for the fungus, facilitating the absorption of nutrients from its surroundings. It consists of a vast, interconnected network of hyphae, which can extend over large areas, sometimes spanning meters or even kilometers. Each hypha is usually composed of a tubular filament containing multiple nuclei, capable of branching and lengthening as the fungus grows.
Mycelium plays a crucial role in the decomposition process, breaking down organic matter such as dead plants, animals, and even rocks, contributing to the release of essential nutrients into the ecosystem. It also forms mutualistic associations with plants, known as mycorrhizae, in which the mycelium provides benefits to both the fungus and the plant, increasing nutrient uptake and aiding in defense against pathogens.
Due to its unique composition, mycelium has various applications that extend beyond the realm of fungi. It can be utilized in the production of mushroom-based foods, packaging materials, and even as a potential sustainable alternative in construction.
The hyphae (sometimes only one) of a fungus, constituting its vegetative part.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "mycelium" is derived from the Greek word "mykēs", meaning "fungus". The term "mycelium" was coined by the German biologist and mycologist A.F.W. Schleiden in 1837. It is a combination of the Greek root "mykēs" and the Latin suffix "-ium", which denotes a place or structure. Therefore, "mycelium" literally means "a place or structure of fungus".
