lichen Definition
- 1a simple slow-growing plant that typically forms a low crusty, leaflike, or branching growth on rocks, walls, and trees.
- 2a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi species in a mutualistic relationship.
Using lichen: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lichen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The lichen on the old stone wall was a beautiful shade of green.
Example
Lichens are often used as bioindicators of air pollution.
Example
The symbiotic relationship between the fungus and algae in lichens is fascinating.
lichen Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with lichen
a type of lichen that forms a thin, tightly-adhering crust on the surface it grows on
Example
The crustose lichen on the rock was so thin it was almost invisible.
Example
The foliose lichen growing on the tree trunk was a bright green color.
Example
The fruticose lichen hanging from the tree branches looked like a miniature forest.
Summary: lichen in Brief
Lichen [ˈlaɪkən] refers to a slow-growing plant that forms a low crusty, leaflike, or branching growth on rocks, walls, and trees. It can also refer to a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi species in a mutualistic relationship. Lichens come in different forms such as crustose, foliose, and fruticose. They are often used as bioindicators of air pollution.
