kelp
/kɛlp
/noun [mass noun]
1A large brown seaweed that typically has a long, tough stalk with a broad frond divided into strips: a large bed of kelp [count noun]: there are several kelps found in the lower zones
- Family Laminariaceae, class Phaeophyceae, including the genera Laminaria (used in some areas as manure) and Macrocystis (harvested in the US as a source of algin).
- In aquatic habitats, bryozoans may be found on all types of hard substrates: sand grains, rocks, shells, wood, and blades of kelps and other algae may be heavily encrusted with bryozoans.
- Many large kelps use gas-filled floatation bladders to keep their large blades near the surface, and therefore in the light.
1.1The calcined ashes of seaweed, used as a source of various salts.I apply an organic fertilizer high in trace elements and kelp.
Origin
Late Middle English: of unknown origin.