fu·sar·i·um 
(fy
-zâr
ē-
əm)
n. pl. fu·sar·i·a (-
ē-
ə)
Any of various pathogenic fungi of the genus Fusarium, chiefly inhabiting temperate climates and infecting both plants and animals. In humans, infection may cause inflammation of the cornea and external ear.
[New Latin Fūsārium, genus name (coined by German naturalist Johann Heinrich Friedrich Link (1767-1851) in reference to the typical spindle shape of its conidia) : Latin fūsus, spindle (of unknown origin) + Latin -ārium, neuter of -ārius, adjective suffix.]