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

So the birthplace was lined with common Iceland moss, and the child of Light was born thereon.

From Girl Scouts in the Adirondacks by Lillian Elizabeth Roy

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

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by George Dadd

Iceland moss one-fourth of an ounce, boiled in a quart of water, and a little rectified spirit added, so that it will keep.

From Our Deportment Or the Manners, Conduct and Dress of the Most Refined Society by John H. Young

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

No tripe de roche was seen today but in clearing the snow to pitch the tents we found a quantity of Iceland moss which was boiled for supper.

From The Journey to the Polar Sea by John Franklin