basidiocarp

noun

Meaning

The complex, multicellular fruiting body of a basidiomycete fungus that produces spores.

Examples

  • The basidiocarp emerges from the soil only after the underground mycelium has accumulated enough nutrients.
  • Mycologists study the unique gill structure of the basidiocarp to identify the specific species of mushroom.

Synonyms: mushroom, fruiting body, sporocarp, basidioma