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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of reindeer moss

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

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

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

I can remember very clearly how we experimented with eating boiled lichen and reindeer moss to supplement our diet.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl