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“lichen”
lichen, liken
lichen (LIGH kuhn) (noun)
One of several thallophytic (Lichenes) that are crusty patches or bushy growths on tree trunks, rocks, or on the ground, etc.: The lichen on the dead branch of the hedge was multicolored and fascinating.
liken (LIGH kuhn) (verb)
To compare as similar: In Jeff's poem, the author tried to liken the shine in Diana's eyes to the stars in the sky.
It is a fair comparison to liken mistletoe to lichen since they both grow in a symbiotic relationship with their hosts.
This entry is located in the following unit:
Confusing Words Clarified: Group L; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(page 3)
(Greek > Latin: rock lichen, seaweed; red paint, rouge)