kelp

[kelp]

noun

1. any large, brown, cold-water seaweed of the family Laminariaceae, used as food and in various manufacturing processes.

2. a bed or mass of such seaweeds.

3. the ash of these seaweeds.

verb (used without object)

1. to burn these seaweeds for their ash.

kelp

/ kɛlp /

noun

1. any large brown seaweed, esp any in the order Laminariales

2. the ash of such seaweed, used as a source of iodine and potash

kelp

1. Any of various brown, often very large seaweeds that grow in colder ocean regions. Kelps are varieties of brown algae of the order Laminariales, with some species growing over 61 m (200 ft) long. Kelps are harvested as food (primarily in eastern Asia), as fertilizer, and for their sodium and potassium salts, used in industrial processes. Kelps are also a source of thickening agents and colloid stabilizers used in many commercial products.

2. See more at brown alga

Word History and Origins

Origin of kelp¹

1350–1400; apparently dialectal variant of Middle English culp < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of kelp¹

C14: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

A new study identifies the cause of sea star wasting disease, offering hope the animals can come back and perhaps even help West Coast kelp forests recover.

From Los Angeles Times

Bringing back sunflower sea stars, which are functionally extinct in California, could help restore kelp forests off the coast, researchers say.

From Los Angeles Times

He has carved jellyfish on closet doors and has etched sea kelp into the front door for his wife, who’s an ocean swimmer.

From Los Angeles Times

Diving in a kelp forest in Monterey Bay recently, I watched a tubby 200-pound harbor seal follow a fellow diver, nibbling on his flippers.

From Los Angeles Times

The plastic — even when made from non-fossil fuel sources such as kelp, corn or sugar cane — often contains additives that composters say can contaminate the soil.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• seaweed