lycopodium

noun

ly·​co·​po·​di·​um ˌlī-kə-ˈpō-dē-əm How to pronounce lycopodium (audio)
1
: any of a large genus (Lycopodium) of erect or creeping club mosses with reduced or scalelike evergreen leaves
2
: a fine yellowish flammable powder composed of lycopodium spores and used especially in pharmacy

Examples of lycopodium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Get some lycopodium powder, a 50 Hz speaker, and a macro lens. Kyle Hill, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lycopodium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek lykos wolf + podion, diminutive of pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lycopodium was circa 1706

Dictionary Entries Near lycopodium

Cite this Entry

“Lycopodium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lycopodium. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lycopodium

noun
ly·​co·​po·​di·​um ˌlī-kə-ˈpōd-ē-əm How to pronounce lycopodium (audio)
: any of a large genus of club mosses that grow upward or creep on the ground and have small or scalelike evergreen leaves

Medical Definition

lycopodium

noun
ly·​co·​po·​di·​um ˌlī-kə-ˈpōd-ē-əm How to pronounce lycopodium (audio)
1
a
capitalized : a large genus of erect or creeping club mosses with reduced or scalelike evergreen leaves
b
: any club moss of the genus Lycopodium
2
: a fine yellowish flammable powder composed of lycopodium spores and used as a dusting powder for the skin and for the surface of hand-rolled pills
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