1. a hard, compact mass of fungal tissue that can survive unfavorable conditions and later produce new fungal growth
Usage: biology; mycology

Examples

• The fungus forms a sclerotium during dry periods to survive until moisture returns.
• Scientists found several sclerotia in the soil sample from the infected field.
• The sclerotium remained dormant underground for months before sprouting.
• Ergot is a well-known sclerotium that forms on rye and other grasses.
• The dark sclerotium was easily visible against the lighter soil.
• Researchers studied how the sclerotium develops its protective outer layer.