(n) compact usually dark-colored mass of hardened mycelium constituting a vegetative food-storage body in various true fungi; detaches when mature and can give rise to new growth
‖n.; pl.Sclerotia [ NL., fr. Gr. sklhro`s hard. ] 1. (Bot.) A hardened body formed by certain fungi, as by the Claviceps purpurea, which produces ergot. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Zool.) The mature or resting stage of a plasmodium. [ 1913 Webster ]