Geoglossaceae

/ˌdʒiːoʊ.ɡlɑˈseɪ.siː/ noun

Definition

A family of fungi, commonly called earth tongues, which produce small upright fruiting bodies that resemble tiny tongues protruding from soil.

Etymology

From the genus Geoglossum + -aceae (the Latin suffix used in taxonomy for family names). The genus itself comes from geo- (Earth) + Greek 'glossa' (tongue).

Kelly Says

Earth tongues are so strange-looking that when mycologists first encountered them, they must have thought the soil itself was growing tiny alien appendages—and the name captures exactly that eeriness.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.