lichen Meaning & Definition
What Does Lichen Mean?
Lichen is used as a noun meaning Any of many symbiotic organisms, being associations of algae and fungi, often found as white or yellow-to-blue–green patches on rocks, old walls, etc. It can also mean Something which gradually spreads across something else, causing damage. As a verb, it means To cover with lichen.
Word Facts for Lichen
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈlaɪ.kən/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | cancer |
| Plural | lichens |
| Verb forms | lichens, lichening, lichened |
Lichen Definition (Noun)
- Any of many symbiotic organisms, being associations of algae and fungi, often found as white or yellow-to-blue–green patches on rocks, old walls, etc.
- Something which gradually spreads across something else, causing damage.
Lichen as a Verb
- To cover with lichen.
Noun
- Any of many symbiotic organisms, being associations of algae and fungi, often found as white or yellow patches on old walls, etc.
Synonyms of Lichen
Lichen synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
lichen (countable and uncountable, plural lichens or lichen)
lichen (third-person singular simple present lichens, present participle lichening, simple past and past participle lichened)
Words That Rhyme With Lichen
Origin of Lichen
Borrowed from Latin līchēn, from Ancient Greek λειχήν (leikhḗn), from λείχω (leíkhō, “to lick”). Originally used of liverwort; the modern sense first recorded 1715.
Pronouncing Lichen
Lichen is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.kən/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (laɪ).
Common Questions About Lichen
Is lichen a noun or a verb?
Lichen is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for lichen?
You can replace lichen with words such as cancer. See the full list of lichen synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of lichen?
The plural of lichen is lichens.
What is the past tense of lichen?
The past tense of lichen is lichened. The present participle is lichening.