dog lichen

noun

: a common foliose lichen (Peltigera canina) that has the thallus brownish green above and whitish beneath and fruiting bodies resembling the teeth of a dog and that was formerly believed to cure hydrophobia

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dog lichen was in 1853

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Dictionary Entries Near dog lichen

dog letter

dog lichen

dog lily

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Cite this Entry

“Dog lichen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dog%20lichen. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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