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

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 Franklin, John

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 Edgeworth, Maria

Lichenin is a variety of starch occurring in Cetraria islandica, or Iceland moss.

From The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom Considered in Their Various Uses to Man and in Their Relation to the Arts and Manufactures; Forming a Practical Treatise & Handbook of Reference for the Colonist, Manufacturer, Merchant, and Consumer, on the Cultivation, Preparation for Shipment, and Commercial Value, &c. of the Various Substances Obtained From Trees and Plants, Entering into the Husbandry of Tropical and Sub-tropical Regions, &c. by Simmonds, P. L.

And be sure you bring me some Iceland moss, to pay me for what you have been helping yourself to.”

From Feats on the Fiord The third book in "The Playfellow" by Martineau, Harriet

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 Young, John H.