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Webster 1913 Edition

‖

Noun.

;

pl.

Sclerotia

(#)

[NL., fr. Gr.

σκληρόσ

hard.]

(Bot.)

A hardened body formed by certain fungi, as by the

Claviceps purpurea

, which produces ergot.

(Zool.)

The mature or resting stage of a plasmodium.

sclerotium ‎(plural sclerotia)

A compact mass of hardened mycelium stored with reserve food material that, in some higher fungi such as ergot, becomes detached and remains dormant until a favourable opportunity for growth occurs.