shelf fungus

noun

plural shelf fungi

: a polypore fungus (such as chicken of the woods) that is found chiefly on the trunks and limbs of trees and that forms tough, often woody fruiting bodies which are fanlike or shelflike in form

also : the fruiting body of a shelf fungus : conk entry 3

Note: The fungus and fruiting body are also called bracket fungi.

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

shelf fungus

noun

: bracket fungus