nostoc Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun found in moist places as rounded jellylike colonies

WordNet


Nos"toc noun
Etymology
F.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A genus of algæ. The plants are composed of moniliform cells imbedded in a gelatinous substance. Nostoc commune is found on the ground, and is ordinarily not seen; but after a rain it swells up into a conspicuous jellylike mass, whish was formerly supposed to have fallen from the sky, whence the popular names, fallen star and star jelly. Also called witches' butter.

Webster 1913