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

Theseus found his way out of the labyrinth by trailing a thread behind him; to Penelope this seemed a waste of good embroidery floss.

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The 35-year-old, who struggles with her mental health, says it feels like she is "flossing her brain".

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If you are brushing once a day then he recommends it be in the evening and make sure you also floss.

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The fabric pumpkins are then finished off with threaded floss and a fabric stem.

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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.

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Related Words

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