First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1moss
noun \ˈmȯs\
: a type of green plant that has very small leaves and no flowers and that grows on rocks, bark, or wet ground
Full Definition of MOSS
2
a : any of a class (Musci) of bryophytic plants characterized by a gametophyte having a small leafy often tufted stem bearing sex organs at its tip; also : a clump or sward of these plants b : any of various plants resembling moss in appearance or habit of growth
See moss defined for English-language learners
See moss defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MOSS
Middle English, from Old English mos; akin to Old High German mos moss, Latin muscus
2moss
verb
Definition of MOSS
transitive verb
: to cover or overgrow with moss
First Known Use of MOSS
15th century
MOSS Defined for Kids
moss
noun \ˈmȯs\
Definition of MOSS for Kids
1
: a plant that has no flowers and grows as a small leafy stem in patches like cushions clinging to rocks, bark, or damp ground
2
: a plant or plantlike organism (as a lichen) resembling moss
Medical Dictionary
moss
noun \ˈmȯs\
Medical Definition of MOSS
1
: any of a class (Musci) of bryophytic plants having a small leafy often tufted stem bearing sex organs at its tip—see sphagnum
2
: any of various plants resembling mosses in appearance or habit of growth—see club moss, iceland moss, irish moss
Learn More About MOSS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: moss agatePrevious Word in the Dictionary: mosquito netAll Words Near: moss
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up moss? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).