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lichen

li·chen

lichen

 
pronunciation:
laI kn
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition: a living thing that is a fungus and a form of algae or special bacteria living together. The algae or the bacteria use photosynthesis to make food for the fungus. There are many kinds of lichens with different colors, such as green, gray, black, or red. They can look like scales, crusts, or branches. Lichens live on rocks and other places where there is no soil.
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derivations: lichenoid (adj.), lichenous (adj.)
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See
  fungus, tundra