Irish moss

noun

1

: the dried and bleached parts of a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) used as an agent for thickening or emulsifying or as a demulcent and as a source of carrageenan

2

: a red alga that is a source of Irish moss

called also carrageen

Examples of Irish moss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to including mineral sunscreen, it’s also formulated with Irish moss extract, which may provide some skin-enhancing benefits, including hydration and help with issues like acne, seborrhea, and rosacea. —Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2024

Its waters also feature an ample supply of Irish moss, which Irish immigrant Daniel Ward first spotted off the coast around 1847. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024

Sea moss, also known as Irish sea moss or Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows in inlets and tidepools along the Atlantic coast between Europe and North America. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 17 Apr. 2024

Sometimes called Irish moss, Irish sea moss, or by its scientific name, Chondrus crispus, sea moss is a frilly sea vegetable similar to other types of edible seaweed, such as nori, kelp, wakame, and kombu. —Vogue, 8 Dec. 2023

In fact, some of the most popular plants known as moss are not actually mosses (Irish moss belongs to the carnation family; Spanish moss is a bromeliad). —Jenny Comita, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023

Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Sea moss, a type of red algae that is commonly referred to as Irish moss, has recently gained popularity in the health and wellness sphere. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023

Often referred to as Irish moss or red seaweed, this plant was used for its medicinal properties in China starting around 600 BC and as a food source in the British Isles in 400 BC. —Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2023

Some version of carrageenan, which comes from the seaweed Irish moss, has been used in cooking for centuries; Great-Grandmother certainly used the lecithin from egg yolks, if not from soy oil, to emulsify her sauces. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Irish moss

noun

: either of two red algae

also : these algae when dried and bleached for use especially as thickeners or soothing agents (as in food or lotions)

Medical Definition

Irish moss

noun

ˌī(ə)r-ish-ˈmȯs 

1

: the dried and bleached plants of a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) that are used as an agent for thickening or emulsifying or as a demulcent (as in cookery or pharmacy)

called also chondrus

2

: a red alga (especially Chondrus crispus) that is a source of Irish moss

called also carrageen