: the dried fruiting body of a fungus (Fomes officinalis synonym Polyporus officinalis) formerly used in medicine
2
: any of a family (Agaricaceae) of fungi with the sporophore usually resembling an umbrella and with numerous gills on the underside of the cap
Word History
Etymology
Middle English agaryke, kind of mushroom used medicinally, probably Laricifomes officinalis, borrowed from Latin agaricum, a tree fungus, borrowed from Greek agarikón (Dioscorides), probably from Agaría, district of Sarmatia + -ikon, neuter of -ikos-ic entry 1