noun
lichen
LEYE-kuhn
Lichen (noun) means a slow-growing organism formed by algae and fungi living together, often seen as pale or greenish patches on rocks, trees, or walls. Example: “Thick lichen covered the old stone wall.”
noun
1
A slow-growing organism formed by algae and fungi living together, often seen as pale or greenish patches on rocks, trees, or walls.
"Thick lichen covered the old stone wall."
"Scientists study lichen because it's sensitive to air pollution."
How to use lichen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA crusty or leafy organism, part fungus and part alga, that grows on rocks, bark, and similar surfaces.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
lichen-covered
a patch of lichen
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Word forms
- Plural
- lichens
- Third person singular
- lichens
- Past tense
- lichened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Thick _____ covered the old stone wall.
Etymology
From Latin lichen, from Ancient Greek leikhḗn, related to leíkhō, "to lick" — the name likely comes from how the growths seem to "lick" or spread across a surface.
Frequently asked questions
What does “lichen” mean?
The word “lichen” means a slow-growing organism formed by algae and fungi living together, often seen as pale or greenish patches on rocks, trees, or walls. In plain terms, a crusty or leafy organism, part fungus and part alga, that grows on rocks, bark, and similar surfaces.
How do you pronounce “lichen”?
“Lichen” is pronounced LEYE-kuhn (/ˈlaɪ.kən/ in IPA).
How do you use “lichen” in a sentence?
Here is “lichen” used in a sentence: “Thick lichen covered the old stone wall.”
What part of speech is “lichen”?
“Lichen” is a noun.
Where does the word “lichen” come from?
The word “lichen” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin lichen, from Ancient Greek leikhḗn, related to leíkhō, "to lick" — the name likely comes from how the growths seem to "lick" or spread across a surface.
