moss Hear it!

moss definition

moss (môs, mäs)

noun

    1. any of various classes (esp. Bryopsida) of very small, green bryophytes having stems with leaflike structures and growing in velvety clusters on rocks, trees, moist ground, etc.
    2. a growth of these
  2. any of various similar plants, as some lichens, algae, etc.

Etymology: ME mos, a bog, moss < OE, a swamp, akin to ON mosi, Ger moos, a bog, moss < IE *meus- (> L muscus, moss) < base *meu-, moist

transitive verb

to cover with a growth of moss

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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