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Dictionary Definition

floss

Noun

1 a soft loosely twisted thread used in embroidery

2 a soft thread for cleaning the spaces between the teeth [syn: dental floss] v : use dental floss to clean; "floss your teeth after every meal"

User Contributed Dictionary

English

Etymology

From floche, from floc, from floccus < an unrecorded O.E. or O.N. word from the root of Dutch flos "plush" (17c.). Compare to modern German Fluss, "a winding section/ a flowing river." Also related to fleece and flow.

Pronunciation

Rhymes: -ɒs

Noun

a thread, used to clean the area between the teeth
(raw) silk fibres
the fibres covering a corn cob
Any thread-like material having parallel strands that are not spun or wound around each other.

embroidery floss
Spun sugar or cotton candy, especially in the phrase "candy floss".

Translations

a thread, used to clean the area between the teeth

Finnish: hammaslanka
German: Zahnseide
Spanish: hilo dental

silk fibres

German: Rohseide, Seidenfaser

the fibres covering a corn cob

German: Maiskolbenfaser

any thread-like material having parallel strands

spun sugar or cotton candy

German: Zuckerwatte

ttbc French: fil dentaire

Verb

To clean the area between the teeth using floss.
To show off, especially by exhibiting one’s wealth or talent.
- 2003, Vladimir Bogdanov, All Music Guide to Hip-Hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap and Hip-Hop, Backbeat Books, page 554:
  
  As the label's name no doubt implies, these rappers aren't your typical crew, even if they still like to floss and represent their city.
- 2003, Wang, Oliver, Classic Material: The Hip-Hop Album Guide, ECW Press, page 134:
  
  “Ms. Jackson” is probably the most sensitive—and realistic—take on relationships to come out of hip-hop, while “Red Velvet” cautions would-be playas against pushing the floss envelope around “dirty boys” just waiting for a chance to add some gray flecks to that fur.
- 2007, Azie Faison, Agyei Tyehimba, Game Over: The Rise and Transformation of a Harlem Hustler, Simon and Schuster, page 69:
  
  It's impossible to floss wealth without attracting envy.