Category:Nostoc

Nos"toc, n. Etym: [f.] (bot.)

Defn: a genus of algæ. The plants are composed of moniliform cells Imbedded in a gelatinous substance.

Note: nostoc commune is found on the ground, and is ordinarily not Seen; but after a rain it swells up into a conspicuous jellylike Mass, whish was formerly supposed to have fallen from the sky, whence The popular names, fallen star and star jelly. Also called witches' Butter.