Puffballs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of fungus that usually forms a round mass and releases spores when mature
2. a colloquial term for small, spherical items that are often soft and airy
3. or a playful reference to someone or something that appears plump and fluffy in appearance

Etymology: "Puffballs" is the plural of "puffball," a compound of "puff" and "ball." The first element comes from the Middle English "puffe," imitating the sound of a sudden breath or gust, and "ball" is the familiar round object. Together they describe a round thing that puffs, which fits the fungi known by this name: when a ripe puffball is struck or squeezed, it releases a cloud of spores in a fine smoky burst.

Synonyms: fungi, mushrooms