sclerotium

noun

scle·​ro·​tium sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)əm 

plural sclerotia sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)ə 

: a compact mass of hardened mycelium stored with reserve food material that in some higher fungi becomes detached and remains dormant until a favorable opportunity for growth occurs

sclerotial

sklə-ˈrō-shəl 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek *sklērōtos

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sclerotium

noun

scle·​ro·​tium sklə-ˈrō-sh(ē-)əm 

plural sclerotia -sh(ē-)ə 

: a compact mass of hardened mycelium (as an ergot) stored with reserve food material that in some higher fungi becomes detached and remains dormant until a favorable opportunity for growth occurs