sphagnum

sphag·num

noun \ˈsfag-nəm\

Definition of SPHAGNUM

1

: any of an order (Sphagnales, containing a single genus Sphagnum) of atypical mosses that grow only in wet acid areas where their remains become compacted with other plant debris to form peat

2

: a mass of sphagnum plants

Illustration of SPHAGNUM

Origin of SPHAGNUM

New Latin, from Latin sphagnos, a moss, from Greek

First Known Use: 1741

Rhymes with SPHAGNUM

magnum