Iceland moss

American  

noun

1. an edible lichen, Cetraria islandica, of Arctic regions, containing a starchlike substance used in medicine.

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Iceland moss British  

noun

1. a lichen, Cetraria islandica, of arctic regions and N Europe, with brownish edible fronds

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Etymology

Origin of Iceland moss

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Iceland moss

The patient continued to vomit almost every thing she took, with the exception of sugar and a paste made with the Iceland moss.

From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Bache, Franklin

Gathering cresses is a very pleasant job in summer, but in early spring one of the most cheerless occupations conceivable short of gathering Iceland moss.

From The Naturalist on the Thames by Cornish, C. J. (Charles John)

Lī′chenine, a starch-like substance, found in Iceland moss and other lichens; Lī′chenist, Lichenog′rapher, one versed in Lichenog′raphy, the description of lichens.—adjs.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

The liquid bandolines are principally of a gummy nature, being made either with Iceland moss, or linseed and water variously perfumed, also by boiling quince-seed with water.

From The Art of Perfumery And Methods of Obtaining the Odors of Plants by Piesse, George William Septimus

The following articles may be substituted for elm: flaxseed, lily roots, gum arabic, poplar bark, Iceland moss.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George