usnea

enUK

us·ne·a

U0157300 (ŭs′nē-ə, ŭz′-)n. Any of various widely distributed lichens of the genus Usnea, characterized by a pendulous, usually branched thallus, often growing on trees.

[From Arabic 'ušna, moss; akin to Persian ušna.]

usnea

(ˈʌsnɪə) n (Plants) a lichen that hangs from tree branches. Also called: old man's beard

us•ne•a

(ˈʌs ni ə)

n., pl. -ne•as. any pale green or gray, mosslike lichen of the genus Usnea, common on rocks and trees. [1590–1600; < New Latin, Medieval Latin < Arabic or Persian ushnah]

Thesaurus

Noun

Usnea - widely distributed lichens usually having a greyish or yellow pendulous freely branched thallusgenus Usneafungus genus - includes lichen generafamily Usneaceae, Usneaceae - fruticose lichens having prostrate or erect or pendulous thalli: genera Usnea, Evernia, Ramalina, Alectoriabeard lichen, beard moss, Usnea barbata - greenish grey pendulous lichen growing on trees

usnea

Herbal medicine
Any of a family of lichens that contain usnic acid, which is believed to have antibacterial, immune stimulatory and muscle relaxing activity. Lichens are used topically for athlete’s foot and skin ulcers; as a douche for vaginal infections; and internally for colds, flu, sore throat and gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Toxicity
It should not be used in pregnancy, as it stimulates uterine contraction.

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us•ne•a

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Usnea

Synonyms for Usnea

noun widely distributed lichens usually having a greyish or yellow pendulous freely branched thallus

Synonyms

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