| nostoc | <botany> A genus of algae. The plants are composed of moniliform cells imbedded in a gelatinous substance. Nostoc commune is found on the ground, and is ordinarily not seen; but after a rain it swells up into a conspicuous jellylike mass, whish was formerly supposed to have fallen from the sky, whence the popular names, fallen star and star jelly. Also called witches' butter. Origin: F. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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