lycopodium
(laɪkəˈpɒdɪəm)
[mod.L., f. Gr. λύκο-ς wolf + ποδ-, πούς foot, from the claw-like shape of the root.]
‖ 1. Bot. A plant of the cryptogamous genus Lycopodium: a club-moss. In early use, L. clavatum.
| 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Lycopodium, Wolfs-claw, an Herb. 1756 [see club-moss]. 1851 Richardson Geol. vii. (1855) 174 The gigantic lycopodium-like, and cactoid plants of the coal measures..all disappear. 1873 Dyer in Q. Jrnl. Microscop. Sci. XIII. 155 The thickened prosenchymatous cells which are found in recent Lycopodiums. |
2. The fine powder formed by the ripe spores of species of Lycopodium, known as ‘vegetable brimstone’ from its inflammability. Also l. dust, lycopodium powder.
It is used in surgery as an absorbent; also in theatres for the production of stage lightning.
| 1836 J. M. Gully Magendie's Formul. (ed. 2) 173 Starch or lycopodium powder washed with alcohol, appears to preserve the auriferous salts the best. 1856 Todd & Bowman Phys. Anat. II. 89 The vibrations of the paper are easily demonstrated by the movements of particles of fine sand, or lycopodium powder strewed upon it. 1876 Duhring Dis. Skin 235 Asborbent dusting powders, consisting of lycopodium dust, will be found most useful. |