floss

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a thin, soft thread used to clean between the teeth

   She used dental floss to remove food caught between two molars.

2. 2
   verb

   to clean between the teeth with dental floss

   Dentists recommend that patients floss gently each day.

3. 3
   noun

   soft, loosely twisted silk, cotton, or similar thread used in embroidery

   The pattern required three shades of blue embroidery floss.

4. 4
   noun

   a light, soft mass of fine fibers, down, or hair

   A pale floss of hair lifted in the breeze above his forehead.

The origin is uncertain. It may come through French floche, 'tuft of wool,' from Latin floccus, 'lock of wool,' or from a related Germanic word connected with fleece. The name first referred to soft untwisted silk or thread and later to dental thread.

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