peat moss

noun

1. Also called bog moss. any moss, especially of the genus Sphagnum, from which peat may form.
2. such moss after it has been dried, used chiefly as a mulch or seedbed, for acidification.

peat moss

noun

1. See sphagnum
   any of various mosses, esp sphagnum, that grow in wet places in dense masses and decay to form peat Also calledbog moss See also sphagnum

peat moss

1. Any of various mosses of the genus Sphagnum, growing in very wet places, especially bogs, around the world. The leaves of peat moss have large dead cells surrounded by smaller living ones that contain chloroplasts. The walls of the dead cells are perforated and readily absorb water, up to 20 times their dry weight. The walls also contain phenol compounds that resist decay and have antiseptic properties. Peat moss releases hydrogen ions that increase the acidity of the water in bogs. Because of its ability to absorb liquids, peat moss is sometimes used as diaper material by traditional peoples and was once used in making bandages. Peat moss is now used primarily to increase the water-holding capacity of soil.
2. Also called sphagnum
3. See more at bog

Word History and Origins

Origin of peat moss¹

1225–75 for earlier sense; 1870–80 peat moss fordef 1; Middle English petemos (in placename) peat bog

Example Sentences

Is the fact that it worked in Norway a good reason to give peat moss a try?

From The Daily Beast

They took a quantity of the article which they manufactured, peat moss litter, and laying it on the wounds tied bandages over it.

From Project Gutenberg

One day in a peat moss litter works some distance from Kiel a worker met with a serious injury.

From Project Gutenberg

It is for this reason that a peat-moss is such a bad or rather an impossible soil.

From Project Gutenberg

Then comes the chance of that wonderful moss the peat-moss, or Sphagnum.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a quantity of peat moss on the slopes at the foot of these mountains, often scored deeply by the numerous watercourses.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clay
• coast
• dirt
• dust
• gravel
• land
• mud
• sand
• shore
• surface
• terrain
• turf