What is "spore print"

n. (context mycology English) The distinctive and identifying pattern and color produced after the cap of a mushroom is pressed against a white page.

thumb|300px|right|Making a spore print of the mushroom Volvariella volvacea shown in composite: (photo lower half) mushroom cap laid on white and dark paper; (photo upper half) cap removed after 24 hours showing pinkish-tan spore print. A 3.5-centimeter glass slide placed in middle allows for examination of spore characteristics under a microscope.

thumb|300px|right|A printable chart to make a spore print and start identification

The spore print is the powdery deposit obtained by allowing spores of a fungal fruit body to fall onto a surface underneath. It is an important diagnostic character in most handbooks for identifying mushrooms. It shows the color of the mushroom spores if viewed en masse.