Lewis & Short

fungus, i, m. [for sfungus, kindred to σφόγγος, σπόγγος, the initial s suppressed as in fallo, fides, nurus, etc.; cf. funis, and v. the letter S.], a mushroom, moril, fungus.

  1. I. Lit.: satis esse nobis non magis hoc potis est quam imber fungo, Plaut. Stich. 5, 5, 33; Plin. 22, 23, 47, § 96; Hor. S. 2, 4, 20.
  2. II. Transf.
    1. A. A soft-pated fellow, a dolt: stulti, stolidi, fatui, fungi, bardi, blenni, buccones, Plaut. Bacch. 5, 1, 2; so id. ib. 2, 3, 49; 4, 7, 23.
    2. B. A fungous excrescence on the human body, Tert. Spect. 23; cf.: fungo simile ulcus, Cels. 6, 18, 11.
      On the olive-tree, Plin. 17, 24, 37, § 223.
    3. C. A collection of lamp-black on the wick of a candle or lamp, a candle-snuff, Verg. G. 1, 392.