Irish moss

noun

Definition of Irish moss

1 : the dried and bleached parts of a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) used as an agent for thickening or emulsifying or as a demulcent and as a source of carrageenan

2 : a red alga that is a source of Irish moss

— called also carrageen

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The first known use of Irish moss was in 1837

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Irish moss

noun

\ˌī(ə)r-ish-ˈmȯs

Medical Definition of Irish moss

1 : the dried and bleached plants of a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) that are used as an agent for thickening or emulsifying or as a demulcent (as in cookery or pharmacy)

— called also chondrus

2 : a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) that is a source of Irish moss

— called also carrageen