Lichen

Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪkən/

Definitions of lichen

noun a simple slow-growing plant that typically forms a low crusty, leaflike, or branching growth on rocks, walls, and trees.

Example Sentences

A1 Lichens are a type of organism that grows on rocks and trees.

A2 Some lichens are used as natural dyes for clothing.

B1 Scientists study lichens to understand how they can indicate air quality.

B2 Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae.

C1 The diversity of lichens in a particular region can indicate its ecological health.

C2 Lichens have adapted to survive in extreme environments such as the Arctic.

Examples of lichen in a Sentence

formal Lichen is a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi in a mutualistic relationship.

informal I found some lichen growing on the rocks near the stream.

slang That lichen-covered tree stump looks pretty cool, huh?

figurative The relationship between the two companies can be compared to lichen, where both parties benefit from their mutual collaboration.

Grammatical Forms of lichen

• past tense: lichened
• plural: lichens
• comparative: more lichen
• superlative: most lichen
• present tense: lichen
• future tense: will lichen
• perfect tense: have lichened
• continuous tense: is lichening
• singular: lichen
• positive degree: lichen
• infinitive: to lichen
• gerund: lichening
• participle: lichening

Origin and Evolution of lichen

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'lichen' comes from the Greek word 'leikhēn', which means 'lichen, crust, or mold'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a type of plant-like organism that grows on rocks or trees, the word 'lichen' has maintained its botanical meaning over time. However, it has also been used metaphorically to describe a close relationship or partnership between two different entities.