Crossword Genius

Sentimentality lodges in fungal growths (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mushrooms

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'fungal growths' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'sentimentality lodges' is the wordplay.
'sentimentality' becomes 'mush' (I've seen this in another clue).
'lodges' becomes 'rooms' (I've seen this in another clue).
'mush'+'rooms'='MUSHROOMS'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mushrooms that I've seen before include "Fungi, mostly edible" , "Fleshy fungi" , "Grows rapidly" , "builds up alarmingly" , "undergoes a boom" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.