rock tripe

noun

1. any lichen of the genus Umbilicaria.

rock tripe

noun

1. any of various edible lichens, esp of the genus Umbilicaria , that grow on rocks and are used in the North as a survival food

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock tripe¹

First recorded in 1850–55; allegedly so called in reference to the appearance of the thallus

Example Sentences

"Probably," says Margry, "he must, from time to time, have added some of the lichen which the Canadians call rock tripe."

From Project Gutenberg

The most wonderful of all is probably the greenish-black rock tripe, found on the bleakest, highest rocks in the northern parts of this continent.

From Project Gutenberg

We lived for weeks on reindeer moss and rock tripe.

From Project Gutenberg