Mucor
/ˈmjuːkɔːr/noun
A genus of fast-growing molds, especially those that form cottony growths on food or soil.
Did you know?Mucor comes straight from Latin, where it meant ‘mold’ or ‘mildew,’ showing how long humans have linked decay with a name that stuck.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*meug-
“to be slimy, slippery, or moist”
Latin
Latin
mūcor
“mold, mildew, dampness, or slimy decay”
Late Latin
Latin
mucor
“mold or mildew”
Modern Scientific Latin
Latin
Mucor
“a genus name for certain molds”