Pileus (Noun)
Meaning
A fruiting structure resembling an umbrella or a cone that forms the top of a stalked fleshy fungus such as a mushroom.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The mature mushroom featured a prominent pileus that protected its gills from environmental stress.
- Mycologists examine the pileus for identifying features when attempting to classify unknown fungal species.
- After heavy rain, the fragile pileus of the young mushroom broke off from the stalk.
- When viewed from a distance, the dark-colored pileus made the rare mushroom appear nearly invisible.
- By examining the color, shape, and texture of the pileus, scientists were able to distinguish one fungal species from another.