lycopodium

/ ˌlaɪkəˈpəʊdɪəm /

noun

1. any club moss of the genus Lycopodium, resembling moss but having vascular tissue and spore-bearing cones: family Lycopodiaceae See also ground pine

Word History and Origins

Origin of lycopodium¹

C18: New Latin, from Greek, from lukos wolf + pous foot

Example Sentences

The earliest instance of this type of engine is the lycopodium engine of M. M. Niepce, discussed by Carnot, in which a combustible mixture of air and lycopodium powder at atmospheric pressure was ignited in a cylinder, and did work on a piston.

From Project Gutenberg

The signaller, who is always accompanied by a companion with a signal-book, has a brass tube some eight feet long, at the extremity of which is a lantern; in this lantern a spirit-lamp burns; underneath this spirit-lamp is a receptacle in which is placed a powder composed of magnesium, resin, and lycopodium, very much like the mixture with which stage-carpenters produce lightning by blowing it through a candle.

From Project Gutenberg

Amongst the various specifics recommended for the cure of plica, is the lycopodium, hence called herba plicaria; the vinca, or perventia.

From Project Gutenberg

Plants from another planet ... detail from Raphael Hefti's Lycopodium, 2011.

From The Guardian

Raphael Hefti's Lycopodium, 2011 was made by burning spores of the plant on photo paper.

From The Guardian