noun

mycorrhiza

my-kuh-RY-zuh

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Mycorrhiza (noun) means a root that a plant has formed together with a fungus, living in partnership with it. Example: “The oak's roots were thick with mycorrhiza, the fungal threads feeding it minerals from the soil.”

noun

technical A root that a plant has formed together with a fungus, living in partnership with it.

"The oak's roots were thick with mycorrhiza, the fungal threads feeding it minerals from the soil."

"Foresters sometimes add mycorrhizae to seedlings to help them establish in poor ground."

"Under the microscope you can see the fungal strands wrapped around the fine root hairs of the mycorrhiza."

How to use mycorrhiza

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is the team-up between a plant's roots and a fungus living on or in them.

When to use it

This is a specialist term from ecology and botany, not everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

Remember the two halves separately: myco- for fungus, and -rrhiza for root.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

mycorrhizal fungi mycorrhizal association form a mycorrhiza mycorrhizal network

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The oak's roots were thick with _____, the fungal threads feeding it minerals from the soil.

Etymology

The word joins the combining form myco-, referring to fungus, with the Ancient Greek word for root. Put together, it literally describes a root that is bound up with a fungus.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for mycorrhiza

Liza Giza Riza Eliza Ibiza

See all rhymes for mycorrhiza →

Frequently asked questions

What is a mycorrhiza?

It is a plant root that has formed a partnership with a fungus, so the fungal threads and the root effectively work as one system.

Is mycorrhiza good for plants?

Yes, the fungus typically helps the plant take up water and nutrients from the soil in exchange for sugars from the plant.

What is the plural of mycorrhiza?

Both mycorrhizas and mycorrhizae are used as plural forms.

What is the meaning of mycorrhiza?

"mycorrhiza" (noun) means a root that a plant has formed together with a fungus, living in partnership with it.