usnea

[ uhs-nee-uh ]

noun

1. any pale-green or gray, mosslike lichen of the genus Usnea, common on rocks and trees.

Word History and Origins

Origin of usnea¹

1590–1600; < New Latin, Medieval Latin < Arabic or Persian ushnah

Example Sentences

These epiphytes ranged in texture and color, from the orange moss known as Antitrichia curtipendula to the light-green lichens belonging to the genus Usnea, known more commonly as old man’s beard and witches’ hair, respectively.

From Washington Post

Other natural remedies that can be easily found in this area include things like usnea or “old man’s beard,” a type of lichen that grows on older trees.

From Washington Times

It was especially for them that Usnea, the moss gathered from the skull of a criminal who had been hanged, was of benefit when administered internally.

From Project Gutenberg

This material, under the name of usnea, was apparently quite popular in prescriptions for various chronic ills, and especially those that we now recognize as prolonged neurotic affections.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably because of the absence of usnea moss, with which it pins up its little basketlike nest with its side entrance.

From Time Magazine Archive