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Lichen: meaning, definitions and examples

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lichen

 

[ หˆlaษชkษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological term

Lichen is a composite organism arising from the symbiotic relationship between fungi and photosynthetic partners, typically algae or cyanobacteria. They can inhabit extreme environments and play critical roles in soil formation and nutrient cycling.

Synonyms

algae, fungus, moss

Examples of usage

  • Lichens can be found on rocks and tree bark.
  • Some lichens are sensitive to air pollution.
  • Researchers study lichens to monitor environmental health.

Translations

Translations of the word "lichen" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น lรญquen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเคˆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Flechte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lumut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะธัˆะฐะนะฝะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ porost

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ณใ‚ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท lichen

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ lรญquen

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท liken

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ง€์˜๋ฅ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุทุญู„ุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ liลกejnรญk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ machuฤพa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅœฐ่กฃ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ liลกaj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lรญken

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผาฏะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒ˜แƒฅแƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ liken

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ lรญquen

Etymology

The word 'lichen' comes from the Greek term 'lichฤ“n', which was used to describe a type of fungus, and it has been in use since the 14th century. Historically, lichens have been important in various cultures, serving as dye sources, food for animals, and traditional medicines. The study of lichens has contributed to the understanding of symbiotic relationships in ecology. The growth patterns and color variations of lichens have also fascinated artists and scientists alike, making them a subject of interest in both art and science. Today, lichens are used as bioindicators to assess environmental conditions. Their unique properties allow them to thrive in harsh climates, contributing to their significance in biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,274, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.