hypha

IPA/ˈhaɪfə/
IPA/ˈhaɪfə/

hypha — noun

  • hyphasingular
  • hyphasplural

1. a microscopic, tube-like strand that fungi use to grow and spread, forming their

1.nounC2
Definition

a microscopic, tube-like strand that fungi use to grow and spread, forming their main body

Example

Under the microscope, Meera could see a single hypha branching across the glass slide.

singular form 'hypha' for one strand

Pim watched white hyphae spread through the coffee grounds in his growing kit.

Common collocations
  • individual hypha
  • hypha grows
  • hypha branches
  • network of hyphae
  • mass of hyphae
Synonyms

Usage Note

The plural form is hyphae (pronounced HY-fee). This is a technical term used mainly in biology and mycology.

Common Mistakes

The mushroom has many hyphas.
The mushroom has many hyphae.
The correct plural of hypha is hyphae, not hyphas.

Word family

  • hyphal
    adjectiveC2

Common collocations

Phrases

  • network of hyphae
  • mass of hyphae

Prepositions

  • hyphae in
  • hyphae through
  • hyphae across

Etymology

Ancient GreekNew LatinEnglish

From New Latin hypha, borrowed from Ancient Greek ὑφή (huphḗ), meaning 'web' or 'woven fabric.' The name reflects the way individual hyphae weave together to form the body of a fungus.

First known use

1866

1866, in the meaning defined above