sphagnum

[ sfag-nuhm ]

noun

1. any soft moss of the genus Sphagnum, occurring chiefly in bogs, used for potting and packing plants, for dressing wounds, etc.

sphagnum

/ ˈsfæɡnəm /

noun

1. any moss of the genus Sphagnum, of temperate bogs, having leaves capable of holding much water: layers of these mosses decay to form peat Also calledpeat mossbog moss

sphagnum

/ sfăg′nəm /

1. See peat moss

Derived Forms

• ˈsphagnous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphagnum¹

1745–55; < New Latin, alteration of Greek sphágnos a moss

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphagnum¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek sphagnos a variety of moss

Example Sentences

And in peat bogs, the acid in sphagnum moss puts soft tissue through a tanning process that often preserves brain tissue.

From Science Magazine

The sphagnum moss on the surface also helps to preserve corpses, releasing humic acids which deactivate the digestive enzymes in a body’s gut, expel water from cells, and cause the collagen fibers in skin to cross-link with each other.

From National Geographic

This is often capped with sphagnum moss, making the ground soft and treacherous.

From National Geographic

Sphagnum moss or peat moss will increase acidity.

From Seattle Times

But their full decomposition was blocked by the chemicals that are produced when sphagnum moss, the main moss that comprises peat, degrades.

From National Geographic