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

They found reindeer moss absorbs UV light, meaning the white lichen that humans have trouble seeing against the snow stands out as dark patches to the animals.

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

The Dewdrop Aerium features Tillandsia usneoides 'El Normal' and Tillandsia tenuifolia 'Emerald Forest,' plus a red heart, 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