Appressorium
- Pronunciation
- /ap-pres-OR-ee-um/
- Category
- Anatomy (Fungi/Entomology)
- Singular
- Appressorium
- Plural
- Appressoria
Definition
A specialized fungal structure, typically found on the surface of plant tissues, that acts as a site for penetration and infection. Though primarily associated with fungi, similar structures are also mentioned in some entomological contexts.
Etymology
From Latin 'appressus', meaning 'pressed down'.
Example
The appressorium of the rice blast fungus, *Magnaporthe oryzae*, plays a critical role in penetrating and infecting rice plants.