-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
fruiting body
noun
plural fruiting bodies
: a structure (as of a moss or liverwort) specialized for producing spores
especially
: the spore-producing organ of a fungus or slime mold : sporophore
Examples of fruiting body in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These varieties produce drab-looking but tasty fruiting bodies called truffles, which mammals like dogs or boars will find by smell—then dig up and eat.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
The more mature fruiting body has been associated with additional anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits.
—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 8 Jan. 2025
The light measurements showed that the recognizable fruiting body of M. crocata that stands apart from the stipe base, is non-luminous.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
For example, some brands boast that their mushroom extracts came from the fruiting bodies of the fungi, rather than harvesting less-mature spores.
—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fruiting body ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2025-02-06--20-43-45-x16ho/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1887, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fruiting body
Cite this Entry
“Fruiting body.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruiting%20body. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
fruiting body
noun
: a plant organ specialized for producing spores
Medical Definition
fruiting body
noun
fruit·ing body
ˈfrüt-iŋ-
: a plant organ specialized for producing spores
especially
: sporophore
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share