What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hyphae
Example
The hyphae of the fungus spread rapidly through the soil. [hyphae: noun]
Example
Hyphae are responsible for absorbing nutrients from the environment. [hyphae: plural noun]
mycelium
Example
The mycelium of the mushroom was growing rapidly under the soil. [mycelium: noun]
Example
Mycelium is responsible for breaking down organic matter in the soil. [mycelium: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mycelium is more commonly used than hyphae in everyday language. Mycelium is a more general term that encompasses the entire network of hyphae that form the vegetative part of a fungus, while hyphae refers specifically to the individual thread-like structures that make up the body of a fungus.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between hyphae and mycelium?
Both hyphae and mycelium are technical terms used in the field of mycology and are therefore more formal in nature. However, mycelium is more commonly used and may be more familiar to those outside of the field of mycology.
