stinkhorn

noun

stink·​horn ˈstiŋk-ˌhȯrn How to pronounce stinkhorn (audio)
: any of various fetid basidiomycetous fungi (order Phallales, especially Phallus impudicus) having spores dispersed by insects

Examples of stinkhorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Smelly mushrooms are often called stinkhorns; they should be considered poisonous. 42. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2024 Though some fruiting bodies are microscopic, many are large, conspicuous and somewhat bizarre--like this specimen known by the common name of the starfish stinkhorn. Discover Magazine, 17 Feb. 2011 In September 2018, students from Fifth District Elementary School in Upperco identified a mushroom known as viscid violet cort, and Timonium Elementary schoolers found another type of mushroom known as the elegant stinkhorn. Cameron Goodnight, baltimoresun.com, 22 Apr. 2021 Many stinkhorn mushrooms grow during the rainy season, when sites are naturally wet. Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 13 Mar. 2021 The best method for eliminating the stinkhorn from the yard is to dig it up or handpick it out. Debbie Arrington, sacbee, 25 Aug. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stinkhorn was circa 1724

Dictionary Entries Near stinkhorn

Cite this Entry

“Stinkhorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stinkhorn. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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