AMANITA MUSCARIA Meaning and
Definition
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Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a mushroom species belonging to the genus Amanita. It is characterized by its distinctive appearance, with a bright red cap covered in white or yellowish warts or scales. The cap typically measures 8-20 centimeters in diameter and ranges in shape from convex to flat or slightly depressed. The species is widely distributed across the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, growing in symbiotic association with various trees, particularly birch and pine.
Amanita muscaria has a long history of human use and cultural significance. It has been associated with various myths, religious rituals, and folklore traditions across different indigenous cultures. The mushroom contains several psychoactive compounds, notably muscimol and ibotenic acid. These substances exert psychoactive effects on the central nervous system, leading to altered perceptions, hallucinations, and other psychoactive experiences.
However, it is important to note that Amanita muscaria is a potentially toxic mushroom, and its consumption can result in severe nausea, vomiting, and other adverse effects if not prepared and cooked properly. Therefore, caution and expert knowledge are necessary before considering any use of this particular species.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AMANITA MUSCARIA
- zmanita muscaria
- smanita muscaria
- wmanita muscaria
- qmanita muscaria
- ananita muscaria
- akanita muscaria
- ajanita muscaria
- amznita muscaria
- amsnita muscaria
- amwnita muscaria
- amqnita muscaria
- amabita muscaria
- amamita muscaria
- amajita muscaria
- amahita muscaria
- amanuta muscaria
- amanjta muscaria
- amankta muscaria
- amanota muscaria
Etymology of AMANITA MUSCARIA
The word "Amanita" is derived from the ancient Greek word "ἀμᾱνῖται" (amanitai), which refers to a kind of fungus. This term itself may have roots in the non-Greek language of the indigenous people of the Mediterranean region. "Muscaria" comes from the Latin word "musca", meaning "fly". It refers to the mushroom's traditional use as an insect repellent, as it was believed to have the ability to ward off flies. Hence, the full name "Amanita muscaria" translates to "fly agaric" in English.
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