floss

[flaws, flos]

noun

1. the cottony fiber yielded by the silk-cotton tree.

2. silk filaments with little or no twist, used in weaving as brocade or in embroidery.

3. any silky, filamentous matter, as the silk of corn.

4. dental floss.

verb (used without object)

1. to use dental floss on the teeth.

verb (used with object)

1. to clean (the teeth) with dental floss.

floss

/ flɒs /

noun

1. the mass of fine silky fibres obtained from cotton and similar plants

2. any similar fine silky material, such as the hairlike styles and stigmas of maize or the fibres prepared from silkworm cocoons

3. untwisted silk thread used in embroidery, etc

4. See dental floss

verb

1. (tr) to clean (between one's teeth) with dental floss

Other Word Forms

• flosser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of floss¹

1750–60; probably < French floche, as in soie floche floss silk, Old French flosche down, velvet pile (of uncertain origin)

Word History and Origins

Origin of floss¹

C18: perhaps from Old French flosche down

Example Sentences

The company is known for its customer service and family-friendly atmosphere, where ladies can receive manicures and kids are treated to candy floss while waiting for a table.

Read more on BBC

We constantly hear from public health officials about how we should get vaccines because it’s good for us, like flossing our teeth.

Read more on Salon

But by the time I’m done with all my ablutions and the flossing and all the things, it’s definitely almost dark.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They have a sour cherry with candy floss that is unlike anything I’ve ever had.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Children have been targeted with colours, branding and flavours such as bubble gum or candy floss, to push a product that can lead to nicotine addiction, the British Medical Association has warned.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• cord 
• cotton 
• fiber 
• filament 
• hair 
• ribbon 
• strand 
• string 
• wire 
• wool 
• yarn