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lichen (n.)
1715, from Latin lichen, from Greek leichen "tree-moss, lichen," originally "what eats around itself," probably from leichein "to lick" (from PIE root *leigh- "to lick"). Used earlier (c. 1600) of liverwort, which was thought to be related. Also in English, as in Greek, of eczema and certain other skin diseases. Related: Lichenic; licheniform; lichenous; lichenaceous.
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Definitions of lichen from WordNet
Dictionary entries near lichen
licensed
licensee
licensure
licentious
lich
lichen
Lichfield
licit
lick
lickerish
lickety-split