floss
UK[flɒs]US[flɑːs]
n
a soft, silky thread, especially one used for cleaning between the teeth.
n
short for dental floss.
v
to clean between one's teeth using dental floss.
Etymology
the word 'floss' entered english in the mid-18th century from the french 'soie floche', meaning 'floss silk' or 'untwisted silk'. the french term likely evolved from the old french 'flosche', denoting something soft and downy. while its precise pre-french lineage is debated, potential connections point to a latin root akin to 'floccus' (a lock of wool) or a germanic root related to 'fleece'. the semantic journey reflects a consistent focus on soft, fibrous material, which logically extended from describing loose silk threads to the specific dental cleaning product made from similar filaments.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from french, which derived it from old french 'flosche' meaning 'down, velvet'. its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be related to a latin root for 'fleece' or a germanic root for 'fleece, wool'.
Examples
she used waxed floss to clean her teeth.
remember to floss at least once a day for good gum health.
the embroidery was done with strands of colorful silk floss.