How Do You Spell FLOSS?

Pronunciation: [flˈɒs] (IPA)

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 Meaning and Definition

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Top Common Misspellings for FLOSS *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for FLOSS

Etymology of FLOSS

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.

Idioms with the word FLOSS

  • butt floss

Similar spelling words for FLOSS

Plural form of FLOSS is FLOSSES

Conjugate verb Floss

CONDITIONAL

I would floss
you would floss
he/she/it would floss
we would floss
they would floss

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be flossing
you would be flossing
he/she/it would be flossing
we would be flossing
they would be flossing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have floss
you would have floss
he/she/it would have floss
we would have floss
they would have floss

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been flossing
you would have been flossing
he/she/it would have been flossing
we would have been flossing
they would have been flossing

FUTURE

I will floss
you will floss
he/she/it will floss
we will floss
they will floss

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be flossing
you will be flossing
he/she/it will be flossing
we will be flossing
they will be flossing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have flossed
you will have flossed
he/she/it will have flossed
we will have flossed
they will have flossed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been flossing
you will have been flossing
he/she/it will have been flossing
we will have been flossing
they will have been flossing

IMPERATIVE

you floss
we let´s floss

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to floss

PAST

I flossed
you flossed
he/she/it flossed
we flossed
they flossed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was flossing
you were flossing
he/she/it was flossing
we were flossing
they were flossing

PAST PARTICIPLE

flossed

PAST PERFECT

I had flossed
you had flossed
he/she/it had flossed
we had flossed
they had flossed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been flossing
you had been flossing
he/she/it had been flossing
we had been flossing
they had been flossing

PRESENT

I floss
you floss
he/she/it flosses
we floss
they floss

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am flossing
you are flossing
he/she/it is flossing
we are flossing
they are flossing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

flossing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have flossed
you have flossed
he/she/it has flossed
we have flossed
they have flossed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been flossing
you have been flossing
he/she/it has been flossing
we have been flossing
they have been flossing
I would have flossed
we would have flossed
you would have flossed
he/she/it would have flossed
they would have flossed

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