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

Browse

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears