Pertusaria

noun

Per·​tu·​sar·​ia

ˌpərtəˈsa(a)rēə

: a large widely distributed genus (the type of the family Pertusariaceae) of crustose lichens that have the fruiting bodies in structures resembling knobs and that are one of the sources of litmus and archil compare roccella

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin pertusus (past participle of pertundere to bore through) + New Latin -aria

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!