Definition
苔藓 (tái xiǎn) refers to a class of small non-vascular plants commonly called moss, which often grow in moist, shady environments on rocks, trees, or soil. It is distinct from 地衣 (dì yī, lichen), a symbiotic organism; the existing English gloss 'lichen' is incorrect and should be changed to 'moss'.
n.
moss (non-vascular plant, bryophyte)
Examples
- 苔藓。Sēnlín lǐ de shítou shàng zhǎng mǎn le tái xiǎn.The rocks in the forest are covered with moss.
- 苔藓。Kēxuéjiā tōngguò yánjiū tái xiǎn lái liǎojiě kōngqì zhìliàng.Scientists study moss to understand air quality.
- 苔藓,。Zhè zhǒng tái xiǎn fēicháng róuruǎn, xiàng yì céng lǜsè de dìtǎn.This kind of moss is very soft, like a green carpet.
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