kelp

IPA/kelp/
KK[kˈɛlp]IPA/kelp/

kelp — noun

  • kelpsingular
  • kelpsplural

1. a large brown plant-like organism that grows underwater in the sea, forming thic

1.nounB1
Definition

a large brown plant-like organism that grows underwater in the sea, forming thick underwater forests in cold coastal waters. Its long fronds are used as food and in some health products.

Example

The thick kelp forest off the coast of California is home to many fish.

collocation: kelp forest

Pablo's grandmother uses dried kelp in her homemade soup stock.

collocation: dried kelp

Common collocations
  • kelp forest
  • kelp bed
  • dried kelp
  • kelp extract
  • harvest kelp
Synonyms
  • seaweed

    a much broader everyday term that includes kelp as well as red and green marine algae

  • algae

    a scientific category that covers all photosynthetic aquatic organisms, from microscopic pond life to giant kelp

Usage Note

Kelp is usually treated as an uncountable noun in general contexts. To refer to large underwater areas where it grows, use the phrases 'kelp forest' or 'kelp bed.'

Common Mistakes

I bought some kelps for my garden.
I bought some kelp for my garden.
Kelp is an uncountable noun and does not take a plural -s in general use.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Kelp, seaweed, algae, and seagrass are all water-dwelling organisms, but they belong to different biological groups and appear in different settings. Seaweed is the broadest everyday term — it covers any large marine algae visible to the eye, including kelp, nori, and wakame. Algae is a scientific category that covers everything from microscopic pond scum to giant kelp; it is not limited to saltwater or to large forms. Seagrass is a true flowering plant (not algae) that grows in shallow, sandy seafloors, whereas kelp attaches to rocky ocean floors in cold, nutrient-rich waters. Kelp specifically refers to large brown algae of the order Laminariales that can grow over 30 metres tall and form dense underwater forests. For example: 'The sushi was wrapped in nori, a type of dried seaweed — not kelp.' And: 'The pond turned green from algae, but the ocean's kelp forests were healthy.'

seaweed ↗algae ↗seagrass

Common collocations

Phrases

  • kelp forest
  • kelp bed
  • dried kelp
  • raw kelp
  • giant kelp

Etymology

Middle EnglishEnglish

The word 'kelp' comes from Middle English culp or kelp, first recorded in the 1300s. Its earliest meaning referred to the burnt ashes of seaweed that were used in glassmaking. The exact origin before Middle English is uncertain, though it may be linked to a Scandinavian source.