The plural of fungus is fungi.
Understanding the Plural Form
The word "fungus" is derived from Latin, and its plural form, fungi (pronounced FUN-jy or FUN-gee), adheres to the Latin grammatical rule for nouns ending in "-us." This makes "fungi" the universally accepted and correct plural form in English.
Singular | Plural |
---|---|
Fungus | Fungi |
Common Usage and Examples
In both scientific discourse and everyday conversation, "fungi" is the standard term used to refer to more than one fungus. These diverse organisms encompass yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, playing crucial roles in ecosystems and various industries.
- When observing a forest floor dotted with various types of mushrooms, you would accurately describe them as many fungi.
- Consider their unique appearances; for instance, these frilly fungi look like exotic vegetables from outer space, highlighting their often unusual and striking forms.
- In a biological context, a scientist might study the growth patterns of different strains of fungi in a petri dish.
Why Not "Funguses"?
While English often adopts "–es" or "–s" to form plurals for words of foreign origin, "fungi" has firmly established itself as the proper plural for "fungus." Although "funguses" might occasionally be heard in very informal speech, it is generally considered incorrect and is not accepted in formal writing or scientific contexts. The Latin plural has remained dominant due to the word's scientific and biological associations.
For further information on the word "fungi" and its usage, you can consult authoritative sources such as the Merriam-Webster dictionary: Fungi Definition & Meaning.