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Possible definitions for fungi
fungus
Any of about 50,000 species of organisms of the kingdom Fungi, or Mycota, incl. yeasts, rusts, smuts, molds, mushrooms, and mildews. Though formerly classified as plants and still considered plants in some systems, they lack chlorophyll and the organized plant structures of stems, roots, and leaves. Fungi contribute to the disintegration of organic matter that results in the release of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus from dead plants and animals into the soil or the atmosphere. They can be found in the water, soil, air, plants, and animals of all regions of the world that have sufficient moisture to enable them to grow. Essential to many household and industrial processes, fungi are also used in the production of enzymes, organic acids, vitamins, and antibiotics. They also can destroy crops, cause such diseases as athlete's foot and ringworm, and ruin clothing and food with mildew and rot. The thallus, or body, of a typical fungus consists of a mycelium through which cytoplasm flows. The mycelium generally reproduces by forming spores, either directly or in special fruiting bodies that are generally the visible part of the fungus. The soil provides an ideal habitat for many species. Lacking chlorophyll, fungi are unable to carry out photosynthesis and must obtain their carbohydrates by secreting enzymes onto the surface on which they are growing to digest the food, which they absorb through the mycelium. Saprophytic fungi live off dead organisms and are partly responsible for the decomposition of organic matter. Parasitic fungi invade living organisms, often causing disease and death (see parasitism). Fungi establish symbiotic relationships with algae (forming lichens), plants (forming mycorrhizae; see mycorrhiza), and certain insects.
bunting
Any of about 37 species of seed-eating finch in the Old World genus Emberiza (subfamily Emberizinae, family Fringillidae), recognizable by their strong head pattern, and similar-appearing species.Emberiza species commonly breed in temperate Eurasia and from N Africa to India. The snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis, subfamily Emberizinae) breeds in the far north, and the lark bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys, Emberizinae) inhabits the U.S. Great Plains. In the U.S., buntings in the subfamily Cardinalinae (family Fringillidae) include the indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) and the painted bunting (P. ciris). The male painted bunting, with red, green, and blue feathers, is the gaudiest bird that breeds in the U.S.
Fang
Bantu-speaking peoples of S Cameroon, mainland Equatorial Guinea, and N Gabon. The Fang number about 3.6 million. Under colonial rule they engaged in ivory trading, and after World War I in cocoa farming. By 1939 much of the population was Christian, but since 1945 there has been a rapid growth of syncretistic sects. They are politically influential, especially in Gabon.
fencing
Sport involving attack and ...
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