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Definition of kelp
kelp
/kɛlp/
kelp
Plural:kelps
kelp Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
5
Tier
2
Usage
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• noun
1
Large brown seaweeds (order Laminariales) that typically have a long, tough stalk with a broad frond, growing in dense underwater forests in cold, nutrient-rich coastal waters.
Example
"Sea otters often wrap themselves in kelp to keep from drifting away while they sleep in the ocean."
2
The calcined ashes of large brown seaweed, formerly widely used as a commercial source of iodine, potash, and sodium carbonate for the glass and soap industries.
Example
"In the nineteenth century, coastal communities in Scotland harvested and burned seaweed in kilns to produce kelp."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for kelp• Rhymes for kelp
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English, originally denoting the calcined ashes of seaweed used in glass-making. Of unknown ultimate origin.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kelp. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kelp