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Definition of sphagnum

sphagnum

/ˈsfæɡ.nəm/
sphag · num
Plural:sphagna
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sphagnum Lexical Profile

sphagnum Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The dried remains of this moss, used commercially as a potting medium, for packing plants, or as a soil conditioner due to its exceptional ability to absorb and hold water.

Example

"Orchids are often cultivated in pure sphagnum because it provides excellent aeration and steady moisture to their roots."

2

Any of various pale or ashy mosses of the genus Sphagnum, which grow in dense, wet, boggy areas and slowly decay to form peat.

Example

"The wetlands were carpeted with a thick layer of living sphagnum that bounced slightly underfoot."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sphagnum

• Rhymes for sphagnum

• Nearby Words

spew
spey
sphaeralcea
sphagnum
sphere
spherical
sphericality

Word Origin & Etymology

From Modern Latin 'sphagnum', derived from the Ancient Greek 'sphagnos', referring to a kind of moss.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sphagnum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sphagnum
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