Fungi \Fun"gi\, n. pl. (Bot.) A group of thallophytic plants of low organization, destitute of chlorophyll, in which reproduction is mainly accomplished by means of asexual spores, which are produced in a great variety of ways, though sexual reproduction is known to occur in certain Phycomycetes, or so-called algal fungi.

Note: The Fungi appear to have originated by degeneration from various alg[ae], losing their chlorophyll on assuming a parasitic or saprophytic life. By some they are divided into the subclasses Phycomycetes, the lower or algal fungi; the Mesomycetes, or intermediate fungi; and the Mycomycetes, or the higher fungi; by others into the Phycomycetes; the Ascomycetes, or sac-spore fungi; and the Basidiomycetes, or basidial-spore fungi.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Fungi \Fun"gi\, n. pl. (Bot.) See Fungus.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Fungus \Fun"gus\, n.; pl. L. Fungi, E. Funguses. [L., a mushroom; perh. akin to a doubtful Gr. ? sponge, for ?;if so, cf. E. sponge.]

1. (Bot.) Any one of the Fungi, a large and very complex group of thallophytes of low organization, -- the molds, mildews, rusts, smuts, mushrooms, toadstools, puff balls, and the allies of each.

Note: The fungi are all destitute of chorophyll, and, therefore, to be supplied with elaborated nourishment, must live as saprophytes or parasites. They range in size from single microscopic cells to systems of entangled threads many feet in extent, which develop reproductive bodies as large as a man's head. The vegetative system consists of septate or rarely unseptate filaments called hyph[ae]; the aggregation of hyph[ae] into structures of more or less definite form is known as the mycelium. See Fungi, in the Supplement.

2. (Med.) A spongy, morbid growth or granulation in animal bodies, as the proud flesh of wounds. --Hoblyn.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Cryptogamia \Cryp`to*ga"mi*a\ (kr?p`t?-g?"m?-?), n.; pl. Cryptogami[ae] (-?). [NL., fr. Gr. krypto`s hidden, secret + ga`mos marriage.]

(Bot.) The series or division of flowerless plants, or those never having true stamens and pistils, but propagated by spores of various kinds.

Note: The subdivisions have been variously arranged. The following arrangement recognizes four classes: -- I. {Pteridophyta, or Vascular Acrogens.} These include Ferns, Equiseta or Scouring rushes, Lycopodiace[ae] or Club mosses, Selaginelle[ae], and several other smaller orders. Here belonged also the extinct coal plants called Lepidodendron, Sigillaria, and Calamites. II. {Bryophita, or Cellular Acrogens}. These include Musci, or Mosses, Hepatic[ae], or Scale mosses and Liverworts, and possibly Charace[ae], the Stoneworts. III. {Alg[ae]}, which are divided into Floride[ae], the Red Seaweeds, and the orders Dictyote[ae], O["o]spore[ae], Zo["o]spore[ae], Conjugat[ae], Diatomace[ae], and Cryptophyce[ae]. IV. {Fungi}. The molds, mildews, mushrooms, puffballs, etc., which are variously grouped into several subclasses and many orders. The Lichenes or Lichens are now considered to be of a mixed nature, each plant partly a Fungus and partly an Alga.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)