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

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)

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 Nuttall, P. Austin

We fared well when fish were plenty, but at other times a porridge made of Iceland moss and the curdled milk made up our fare.

From Olof Krarer, The Esquimaux Lady A story of her native home by Krarer, Olof

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

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 Dadd, George