reindeer moss

American  

noun

1. any of several lichens of the genus Cladonia, especially the gray, many-branched C. rangiferina, of Arctic and subarctic regions, eaten by reindeer and caribou.

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reindeer moss British  

noun

1. any of various lichens of the genus Cladonia , esp C. rangiferina , which occur in arctic and subarctic regions, providing food for reindeer

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Etymology

Origin of reindeer moss

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reindeer moss

Reindeer subsist largely on light-colored reindeer moss, which isn’t actually a moss but rather a type of lichen that grows in crunchy, carpet-like patches across northern latitudes.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 22, 2023

Reindeer subsist primarily on reindeer moss, or Cladonia rangiferina, which isn't a moss but actually a species of algae-fungus fusion known as lichen.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 15, 2023

The room now has a few large plants in the corners, as well as a small rectangle of preserved reindeer moss on the wall.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2023

Shown in photo gallery above: The Hanging Heart Aerium features Tillandsia usneoides 'El Normal,' a type of Spanish moss, and Tillandsia tenuifolia 'Blue Flower,' along with red reindeer moss accents and red twine for hanging.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 7, 2015

He finished his toilet, and when he sat down he disappeared under the reindeer moss.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George