tussock

[ tuhs-uhk ]

noun

1. a tuft or clump of growing grass or the like.

tussock

/ ˈtʌsək /

noun

1. a dense tuft of vegetation, esp of grass
2. 1. short for tussock grass
   2. the tussock country where tussock grass grows

Derived Forms

• ˈtussocky, adjective

Other Words From

• tussocked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussock¹

1540–50; apparently akin to Middle High German zūsach thicket, derivative of zūse lock (of hair), brushwood. See -ock

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussock¹

C16: perhaps related to tusk

Example Sentences

Among these pests, the most important to the dweller in a large city is the tussock moth, which destroys our shade trees.

From Project Gutenberg

He refers to the penguins, kelp-weed and tussock grass; certainly three characteristic features.

From Project Gutenberg

As the summer wind stirs one tussock after another, so she stepped onward between the slimy ponds and deadly quagmires.

From Project Gutenberg

The day of our approach was marked by fine calm weather and the dark-green tussock-clad hillsides were rather attractive.

From Project Gutenberg

Amongst the tussock a hole is first made in the soft earth and then neatly lined with blades of grass.

From Project Gutenberg