Lichenous

li·chen  (lkn)

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.

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[Latin lchn, a kind of plant, from Greek leikhn, from leikhein, to lick; see leigh- in Indo-European roots.]

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lichen·ous adj.