hypha

noun

hy·​pha ˈhī-fə How to pronounce hypha (audio)
plural hyphae ˈhī-(ˌ)fē How to pronounce hypha (audio)
: one of the threads that make up the mycelium of a fungus, increase by apical growth, and are transversely septate or nonseptate
hyphal adjective

Examples of hypha in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Long strands of fungal hyphae can hold the aggregates together and earthworms and other large organisms also work to create pore space. oregonlive, 7 Sep. 2023 The photos showed how individual fungal hyphae had drilled deep into the rocks, carving out networks of branching canals. Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 12 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek hyphē web; akin to Greek hyphos web — more at weave

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypha was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near hypha

Cite this Entry

“Hypha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypha. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hypha

noun
hy·​pha ˈhī-fə How to pronounce hypha (audio)
plural hyphae -(ˌ)fē How to pronounce hypha (audio)
: one of the threads that make up the mycelium of a fungus
hyphal adjective

Medical Definition

hypha

noun
hy·​pha ˈhī-fə How to pronounce hypha (audio)
plural hyphae -(ˌ)fē How to pronounce hypha (audio)
: one of the threads that make up the mycelium of a fungus, increase by apical growth, and are coenocytic or transversely septate
hyphal adjective

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