li·chen (l k n)n.1. A fungus, usually of the class Ascomycetes, that grows symbiotically with algae, resulting in a composite organism that characteristically forms a crustlike or branching growth on rocks or tree trunks. 2. Pathology Any of various skin diseases characterized by patchy eruptions of small, firm papules. tr.v. li·chened, li·chen·ing, li·chens To cover with lichens.
[Latin l ch n, a kind of plant, from Greek leikh n, from leikhein, to lick; see leigh- in Indo-European roots.]
li chen·ous adj. |
lichen Noun any of various small mossy plants that grow in patches on tree trunks, bare ground, rocks, and stone walls [Greek leikhein to lick]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | lichen - any of several eruptive skin diseases characterized by hard thick lesions grouped together and resembling lichens growing on rocks | | 2. | lichen - any thallophytic plant of the division Lichenes; occur as crusty patches or bushy growths on tree trunks or rocks or bare ground etc.division Lichenes, Lichenes - comprising the lichens which grow symbiotically with algae; sometimes treated as an independent group more or less coordinate with algae and fungi ascolichen - a lichen in which the fungus component is an ascomycete basidiolichen - a lichen in which the fungus component is a basidiomycete lecanora - any lichen of the genus Lecanora; some used in dyeing; some used for food crotal, crottal, crottle - any of several lichens of the genus Parmelia from which reddish brown or purple dyes are made Cetraria islandica, Iceland lichen, Iceland moss - lichen with branched flattened partly erect thallus that grows in mountainous and Arctic regions; used as a medicine or food for humans and livestock; a source of glycerol fungus - an organism of the kingdom Fungi lacking chlorophyll and feeding on organic matter; ranging from unicellular or multicellular organisms to spore-bearing syncytia |
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