Definition of 'toadstool'

Word Frequency

toadstool

(toʊdstuːl )

Word forms: plural toadstools

countable noun

A toadstool is a fungus that you cannot eat because it is poisonous.

Image of 'toadstool'

Word Frequency

toadstool in British

(ˈtəʊdˌstuːl )

noun

(not in technical use)

any basidiomycetous fungus with a capped spore-producing body that is not edible

Compare mushroom (sense 1a)

Word origin of 'toadstool'

C14: from toad + stool

Word Frequency

toadstool in American

(ˈtoʊdˌstul ; tōdˈsto̅olˌ)

noun

any of a number of fleshy, umbrella-shaped, basidiomycetous fungi; mushroom; esp., in popular usage, any poisonous mushroom

Word origin of 'toadstool'

ME todestole: see toad & stool

Example sentences containing 'toadstool'

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Perhaps I am drinking something strange - the juice of the toadstool squeezed into my wine. Various LOOKING FOR THE SPARK (2003)She was wearing a thick purple dress with white spots that went halfway down her legs and made her look like a poisonous toadstool. Richard Francis PROSPECT HILL (2003)