Definition

A type of edible mushroom that has a distinctive conical shape and a spongy, pitted surface, often found in forests and valued for its flavor.

Example

We found some delicious morels while hiking in the woods last spring.

Conversation

Have you ever tried cooking with morel mushrooms?

No, I haven't, but I've heard they're really delicious!

They are! I made a pasta dish with morels once, and it was amazing.

That sounds great! I should definitely give them a try sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'morel' comes from the French 'morille', which refers to a type of edible mushroom. The term is derived from the Latin 'morus', meaning 'blackberry', likely due to the color of the mushroom's cap resembling that of a blackberry. Thus, 'morel' refers to a specific type of mushroom that is often sought after for culinary purposes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a mushroom that resembles a 'blackberry' — that's why 'morel' refers to this special type of edible mushroom.

Visually Confused Words