Definitions for sphagnum
ˈsfæg nəmsphag·num

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:1.0 / 1 vote

1. sphagnum, sphagnum moss, peat moss, bog mossnoun

   any of various pale or ashy mosses of the genus Sphagnum whose decomposed remains form peat

WiktionaryRate this definition:1.0 / 1 vote

1. sphagnumnoun

   Any of various widely distributed mosses, of the genus Sphagnum, which slowly decompose to form peat.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Sphagnum

   Sphagnum is a genus of approximately 380 accepted species of mosses, commonly known as sphagnum moss, also bog moss and quacker moss (although that term is also sometimes used for peat). Accumulations of Sphagnum can store water, since both living and dead plants can hold large quantities of water inside their cells; plants may hold 16 to 26 times as much water as their dry weight, depending on the species. The empty cells help retain water in drier conditions. As sphagnum moss grows, it can slowly spread into drier conditions, forming larger mires, both raised bogs and blanket bogs. Thus, sphagnum can influence the composition of such habitats, with some describing sphagnum as 'habitat manipulators'. These peat accumulations then provide habitat for a wide array of peatland plants, including sedges and ericaceous shrubs, as well as orchids and carnivorous plants.Sphagnum and the peat formed from it do not decay readily because of the phenolic compounds embedded in the moss's cell walls. In addition, bogs, like all wetlands, develop anaerobic soil conditions, which produces slower anaerobic decay rather than aerobic microbial action. Peat moss can also acidify its surroundings by taking up cations, such as calcium and magnesium, and releasing hydrogen ions. Under the right conditions, peat can accumulate to a depth of many meters. Different species of Sphagnum have different tolerance limits for flooding and pH, so any one peatland may have a number of different Sphagnum species.Individual peat moss plants consist of a main stem, with tightly arranged clusters of branch fascicles usually consisting of two or three spreading branches and two to four hanging branches. The top of the plant, or capitulum, has compact clusters of young branches. Along the stem are scattered leaves of various shapes, named stem leaves; the shape varies according to species. The leaves consist of two kinds of cells: small, green, living cells (chlorophyllose cells), and large, clear, structural, dead cells (hyaline cells). The latter have the large water-holding capacity.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. sphagnum

   Sphagnum is a type of moss that encompasses around 380 different species. It is often found in bogs, marshes and swamps in various parts of the world. Sphagnum is known for its ability to retain water, making it useful in horticulture and floristry, and it also has antibacterial properties. In the natural environment, sphagnum plays a significant role in the creation of peat bogs by releasing substances that slow down the decay of dead plant material.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:2.0 / 1 vote

1. Sphagnumnoun

   a genus of mosses having white leaves slightly tinged with red or green and found growing in marshy places; bog moss; peat moss

2. Etymology: [NL., fr/ Gr. a kind of moss.]

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Sphagnum

   Sphagnum is a genus of between 1510 and 3500 species of mosses, commonly called peat moss due to its prevalence in wet habitats where it contributes to the formation of peat bogs and mires. Sphagnum accumulations can store water, since both living and dead plants can hold large quantities of water inside their cells; plants may hold from 16-26 times as much water as their dry weight depending on the species. The empty cells help retain water in drier conditions. Hence, as sphagnum moss grows, it can slowly spread into drier conditions, forming larger peatlands, both raised bogs and blanket bogs. These peat accumulations then provide habitat for a wide array of peatland plants, including sedges and ericaceous shrubs, as well as orchids and carnivorous plants. Sphagnum and the peat formed from it do not decay readily because of the phenolic compounds embedded in the moss's cell walls. In addition, bogs, like all wetlands, develop anaerobic soil conditions, which produces slower anaerobic decay rather than aerobic microbial action. Peat moss can also acidify its surroundings by taking up cations, such as calcium and magnesium, and releasing hydrogen ions. Under the right conditions, peat can accumulate to a depth of many meters. Different species of Sphagnum have different tolerance limits for flooding and pH, so any one peatland may have a number of different Sphagnum species.

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Sphagnum

   sfag′num, n. a genus of mosses—peat or bog-moss, belonging to the order Sphagnaceæ.—ns. Sphagnol′ogist, one who has studied the foregoing; Sphagnol′ogy, the study of the same.—adj. Sphag′nous. [Gr. sphagnos, moss.]

Matched Categories

1. • Moss

How to pronounce sphagnum?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say sphagnum in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of sphagnum in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of sphagnum in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=sphagnum
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Sphagnum
3. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphagnum
4. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
5. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphagnum
6. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=sphagnum
7. ^ Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=sphagnum