Dictionary
sphagnum
noun sphag·num \ˈsfag-nəm\
Definition of SPHAGNUM
1
: any of an order (Sphagnales, containing a single genus Sphagnum) of atypical mosses that grow only in wet acid areas where their remains become compacted with other plant debris to form peat
2
: a mass of sphagnum plants
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Illustration of SPHAGNUM
Origin of SPHAGNUM
New Latin, from Latin sphagnos, a moss, from Greek
First Known Use: 1741
Rhymes with SPHAGNUM
Medical Dictionary
sphagnum
noun sphag·num \ˈsfag-nəm\
Medical Definition of SPHAGNUM
1
: any of an order (Sphagnales, containing a single genus Sphagnum) of atypical mosses that grow only in wet acid areas where their remains become compacted with other plant debris to form peat
2
: a mass of dehydrated sphagnum plants used as a surgical dressing especially during World War I
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