Share this Article on Facebook Twitter Submit this article to Reddit Give this article a thumbs-up on StumbleUpon

mushroom

mushroom

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

mushroom type of basidium fungus characterized by spore-bearing gills on the underside of the umbrella- or cone-shaped cap. The name toadstool is popularly reserved for inedible or poisonous mushrooms, but this classification has no scientific basis. The only safe way of distinguishing between the edible and the poisonous species is to learn to identify them. Some poisonous mushrooms are of the genus Amanita. The genus includes the fly agaric, Amanita muscaria, and the death angel or destroying angel, A. virosa.

The use of edible mushrooms for food dates back at least to early Roman times. Originally a delicacy for the elite, mushrooms are now extensively grown on a commercial scale, especially the cultivated mushroom or champignon, Agaricus bisporus, and the shiitake mushroom, Lentinus edodes. Their culture requires careful control of temperature and humidity. The bulk of the crop in the United States is grown near Philadelphia. In Europe more than 50 species of mushrooms are marketed. Although mushrooms contain some protein and minerals, they are largely composed of water and hence are of limited nutritive value.

The truffle , puffball , and other edible fungi are sometimes also called mushrooms. In all cases the term mushroom is properly restricted to the above-ground portion, which is the reproductive organ. Mushrooms are classified in the kingdom Fungi , phylum (division) Basidiomycota.

Bibliography: See A. H. Smith and N. A. Weber, The Mushroom Hunter's Field Guide (rev. ed. 1980); O. K. Miller, Jr., Mushrooms of North America (rev. ed. 1979); G. H. Lincoff, The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (1981).

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mushroom." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mushroom." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-mushroom.html

"mushroom." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushroom

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | Copyright

mush·room / ˈməshˌroōm; -ˌroŏm/ • n. a fungal growth that typically takes the form of a domed cap on a stalk, often with gills on the underside of the cap. ∎  a thing resembling a mushroom in shape: a mushroom of smoke and flames. ∎  a pale pinkish-brown color: [as adj.] a mushroom leather bag. ∎ fig. a person or thing that appears or develops suddenly or is ephemeral: he was one of those showbiz mushrooms who spring up overnight. • v. [intr.] 1. increase, spread, or develop rapidly: environmental concern mushroomed in the 1960s. 2. (of the smoke, fire, or flames produced by an explosion) spread into the air in a shape resembling that of a mushroom: the grenade mushroomed into red fire as it hit the hillside. ∎  (of a bullet) expand and flatten on reaching its target. 3. [usu. as n.] (mushrooming) (of a person) gather mushrooms. DERIVATIVES: mush·room·y adj.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mushroom." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mushroom." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-mushroom.html

"mushroom." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushrooms

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition | 2005 | | Copyright

mushrooms Various edible fungi (botanically both mushrooms and toadstools); correctly the fruiting bodies of the fungi. Altogether some 300 species are sold, fresh or dried, in markets around the world; most of these are gathered wild rather than cultivated.

The common cultivated mushroom, including flat, cup, and button mushrooms is Agaricus bisporus, as is the chestnut or Paris mushroom. Other cultivated mushrooms include: shiitake (or Black Forest mushroom); oyster mushroom; Chinese straw mushroom.

Some wild species are especially prized, including field mushroom; horse mushroom; parasol mushroom; beefsteak fungus; blewits; wood blewits; cep or boletus; chanterelle; matsutake; puffballs; morels; truffles; wood‐ears (or Chinese black fungus); yellow mushroom. Many other wild fungi are also edible, but many are poisonous.

A 50‐g portion provides 1.5 g of dietary fibre and is a rich source of copper; a source of vitamin B2, niacin, folate, and selenium; supplies 6 kcal (25 kJ).
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

DAVID A. BENDER. "mushrooms." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAVID A. BENDER. "mushrooms." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-mushrooms.html

DAVID A. BENDER. "mushrooms." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-mushrooms.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushroom

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

mushroom Any of numerous relatively large fleshy fungi, many of which are gathered for food. A typical mushroom consists of two parts: the mycelium – an extensive, underground cobweb-like network of fine filaments (hyphae), which is the main body of the fungus – and a short-lived fruiting body (the visible mushroom).
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mushroom." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mushroom." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-mushroom.html

"mushroom." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

toadstool

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

toadstool Popular name for the fruiting body of a fungus of the class Basidiomycetae. The name usually refers to inedible species and describes the stool-like appearance of the reproductive organ. It consists of a stem and a cap, on which the spores are borne on gills or in tubes.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"toadstool." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"toadstool." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-toadstool.html

"toadstool." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-toadstool.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushroom

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Copyright

mushroom the type of a person or thing that appears or develops suddenly or is ephemeral (mushrooms are proverbial for rapid growth).
mushroom cloud a mushroom-shaped cloud of dust and debris formed after a nuclear explosion.
mushroom growth a sudden development or expansion.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "mushroom." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "mushroom." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-mushroom.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "mushroom." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

toadstool

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | Copyright

toad·stool / ˈtōdˌstoōl/ • n. the spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically in the form of a rounded cap on a stalk, esp. one that is believed to be inedible or poisonous. See also mushroom.

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"toadstool." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"toadstool." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-toadstool.html

"toadstool." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-toadstool.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushroom

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Copyright

mushroom (mush-room) n. the spore-producing body of various fungi. Great care must be taken in identifying edible mushrooms, as many species are poisonous, including Amanita phalloides (death cap) and A. muscaria (fly agaric).
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mushroom." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mushroom." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-mushroom.html

"mushroom." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushroom

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Copyright

mushroom XV. Late ME. musseroun, musheron, by assim. musherom (XVI) — (O)F. mousseron — late L. mussiriō, -ōn-.
Hence vb. XVIII (once, trans.), XIX (intr.).
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

T. F. HOAD. "mushroom." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "mushroom." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-mushroom.html

T. F. HOAD. "mushroom." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

toadstool

A Dictionary of Ecology | 2004 | | Copyright

toadstool A loose term for any umbrella-shaped fungal fruit body, or for any such fruit body that is inedible or poisonous. Compare mushroom.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "toadstool." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "toadstool." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-toadstool.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "toadstool." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-toadstool.html

Learn more about citation styles

toadstool

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

toadstool A loose term for any umbrella-shaped fungal fruit body, or for any such fruit body that is inedible or poisonous. Compare MUSHROOM.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "toadstool." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "toadstool." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-toadstool.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "toadstool." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-toadstool.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushroom

A Dictionary of Ecology | 2004 | | Copyright

mushroom Agaricus bisporus (the cultivated mushroom) or any edible fungus similar to it in appearance. Compare toadstool.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mushroom." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mushroom." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-mushroom.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mushroom." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushroom

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

mushroom Agaricus bisporus (the cultivated mushroom) or any edible fungus similar to it in appearance. Compare TOADSTOOL.
Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mushroom." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mushroom." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-mushroom.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mushroom." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

toadstool

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

toadstool see mushroom .

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"toadstool." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"toadstool." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-toadstoo.html

"toadstool." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-toadstoo.html

Learn more about citation styles

mushroom

Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes | 2007 | Copyright

mushroom •abloom, assume, backroom, bloom, Blum, boom, broom, brume, combe, consume, doom, entomb, exhume, flume, foredoom, fume, gloom, groom, Hume, illume, inhume, Khartoum, khoum, loom, neume, perfume, plume, presume, resume, rheum, room, spume, subsume, tomb, vroom, whom, womb, zoom •catacomb • heirloom • broadloom •taproom • guardroom • staffroom •darkroom • classroom • bathroom •bedroom, headroom •legroom • restroom •dayroom, playroom •saleroom • stateroom • salesroom •tearoom • green room • sickroom •anteroom • bridegroom • stockroom •strongroom • box room • washroom •storeroom • boardroom • ballroom •courtroom • houseroom • showroom •cloakroom • elbow room •poolroom, schoolroom •newsroom •gunroom, sunroom •mushroom • common room •workroom • hecatomb • vacuum •legume • volume • costume •Leverhulme

Show all research tools

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

"mushroom." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"mushroom." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-mushroom.html

"mushroom." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-mushroom.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

Mushrooms & Health Global Initiative.(mushroom council update)
Magazine article from: Mushroom News; 8/1/2009
Mushrooms on the menu.
Magazine article from: Mushroom News; 12/1/2006
MUSHROOM MEDLEY.(Food)(Chef's sampler allows diners to taste and compare wild...
Newspaper article from: The Register Guard (Eugene, OR); 9/17/2003

Facts and information from other sites

mushroom images
Amanita muscaria, a poisonous variety of mushroom. (Image by MichaelMaggs, CC)

Related topics