Iceland moss

American  

noun

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

---

Iceland moss British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of Iceland moss

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Iceland moss

A drink of any mucilaginous, lubricating, and innocent substance may be given, such as mallows, linseed, Iceland moss, slippery elm.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by George Dadd

There are few trees, and these small; cranberries grow among the heather, and Iceland moss is a plentiful article of food.

From The Nuttall Encyclopædia Being a Concise and Comprehensive Dictionary of General Knowledge by P. Austin Nuttall

Iceland moss is found on the lava plains.

From A Girl's Ride in Iceland by Mrs. (Ethel) Alec-Tweedie

I'm no genealogist—and sends me Irish cheese, and Iceland moss, for my breakfast, and her waiting gentlewoman to namby-pamby me.

From Tales and Novels — Volume 06 by Maria Edgeworth

Iceland moss is to be had of all chemists.

From A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes by Charles Elmé Francatelli