ˈmʌʃrum n. & v. --n. 1
the usu.
edible spore-producing
body of
various fungi,
esp. Agaricus campestris,
with a stem
and domed
cap,
proverbial for its rapid growth. 2 the pinkish-brown
colour of
this. 3
any item resembling a mushroom in
shape (darning mushroom). 4 (usu. attrib.)
something that appears or develops suddenly or is
ephemeral; an
upstart. --v.intr. 1
appear or
develop rapidly. 2
expand and
flatten like a mushroom cap. 3
gather mushrooms. ømushroom
cloud a cloud suggesting the shape of a mushroom, esp.
from a
nuclear explosion. mushroom growth 1 a
sudden development or
expansion. 2
anything undergoing this. øømushroomy adj. [ME f. OF mousseron f. LL mussirio -onis]