any of various basidiomycetous fungi, esp. of the genus Lycoperdon and allied genera, characterized by a ball-like fruit body that emits a cloud of spores when broken.
Any of various fungi of the genus Lycoperdon and related genera, having a ball-shaped fruiting body that when pressed or struck releases the enclosed spores in puffs of dust.
Informal The rounded head of a dandelion that has gone to seed.
Main Entry: puff·ball Pronunciation: 'p&f-"bol Function: noun : any of various globose and often edible fungi (especially family Lycoperdaceae)that discharge ripe spores in a smokelike cloud when pressed or struck
[puhf-bawl] 
