[mod.L., f. Gr. λύκο-ς wolf + ποδ-, πούς foot, from the claw-like shape of the root.]
ǁ 1. Bot. A plant of the cryptogamous genus Lycopodium: a club-moss. In early use, L. clavatum.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Lycopodium, Wolfs-claw, an Herb.
1756. [see CLUB-MOSS].
1851. Richardson, Geol., vii. (1855), 174. The gigantic lycopodium-like, and cactoid plants of the coal measures … all disappear.
1873. Dyer, in Q. Jrnl. Microscop. Sci., XIII. 155. The thickened prosenchymatous cells which are found in recent Lycopodiums.
2. The fine powder formed by the ripe spores of species of Lycopodium, known as ‘vegetable brimstone’ from its inflammability. Also l. dust, powder.
It is used in surgery as an absorbent; also in theaters for the production of stage lightning.
1836. J. M. Gully, Magendie’s Formul. (ed. 2), 173. Starch or lycopodium powder washed with alcohol, appears to preserve the auriferous salts the best.
1856. Todd & Bowman, Phys. Anat., II. 89. The vibrations of the paper are easily demonstrated by the movements of particles of fine sand, or lycopodium powder strewed upon it.
1876. Duhring, Dis. Skin, 235. Absorbent dusting powders, consisting of lycopodium dust, will be found most useful.
