The word "floss" is spelled with a double "s" at the end, which may seem confusing to non-native English speakers. However, this spelling is necessary to indicate the correct pronunciation of the word, which is /flɒs/ or "floss" with a short vowel sound. If the word were spelled with only one "s", it would be pronounced /flɑːs/ or "flaws", which has a completely different meaning. Therefore, the double "s" is crucial for clear communication in written and spoken English.
Floss can be defined as a noun or a verb, with various interpretations depending on the context. As a noun, floss most commonly refers to a thin thread made of silk, nylon, or other material, which is used to clean between the teeth and below the gum line as part of dental hygiene. It is typically available in a small container or dispenser, with the user pulling out a length of floss and winding it around their fingers to facilitate effective use.
Beyond its dental usage, floss can also be used to describe a loosely twisted, soft thread or yarn, often used for decorative purposes in sewing or embroidery. It may be made of silk, cotton, or synthetic materials, and is employed to create delicate stitches, add fine details, or enhance the appearance of a fabric or garment.
As a verb, to floss refers to the action of using dental floss to clean between the teeth. It involves gently moving the floss back and forth in a sawing motion to remove plaque and food particles that a toothbrush may not reach. Additionally, the term can be used informally to describe a popular dance move, characterized by moving the hips in an exaggerated swaying motion while simultaneously swinging the arms in the opposite direction.
Overall, the word floss encompasses multiple meanings related to oral hygiene, decorative sewing, and even modern dance, depending on its usage.
The downy or silky substance found in the husks of certain plants.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "floss" dates back to the early 18th century and is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "flos", meaning "waste silk". It ultimately comes from the Old French word "flos", which also meant "a twist or strand of loose filament". The Old French word has its roots in the Late Latin word "flos", meaning "flower". This connection likely originated from the appearance of loose silk strands resembling flower petals. Over time, the term "floss" expanded in meaning to also refer to dental floss, which resembles a strand of silk, hence the modern usage of the word.