peat moss

sphag·num moss

a highly absorbent moss used as a substitute for absorbent cotton or gauze in surgical dressing and sanitary napkins.

Synonym(s): muskeag moss, peat moss

peat moss

1. Any moss of the large genus Sphagnum whose decomposed and compacted remains form peat. The moss is absorptive and acidic and inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi. Synonym: sphagnum moss

2. The decomposed and compacted remains of the mosses, used as a soil conditioner and as a dressing for wounds. It has also been used by some primitive people as a form of external menstrual protection. Synonym: sphagnum moss

See also: moss

peat, peat moss

used as bedding for housed cattle and horses and is very absorbent of water.

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peat scours

chronic diarrhea in ruminants grazing pasture on peat-derived soils low in copper and/or high in molybdenum. See also copper nutritional deficiency, molybdenum.