FLOSS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does floss mean? 

• FLOSS (noun)
  The noun FLOSS has 2 senses:

1. a soft loosely twisted thread used in embroidery

2. a soft thread for cleaning the spaces between the teeth

  Familiarity information: FLOSS used as a noun is rare.

• FLOSS (verb)
  The verb FLOSS has 1 sense:

1. use dental floss to clean

  Familiarity information: FLOSS used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FLOSS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A soft loosely twisted thread used in embroidery

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("floss" is a kind of...):

thread; yarn (a fine cord of twisted fibers (of cotton or silk or wool or nylon etc.) used in sewing and weaving)

Derivation:

flossy (like down or as soft as down)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A soft thread for cleaning the spaces between the teeth

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

dental floss; floss

Hypernyms ("floss" is a kind of...):

thread; yarn (a fine cord of twisted fibers (of cotton or silk or wool or nylon etc.) used in sewing and weaving)

Derivation:

floss (use dental floss to clean)

• FLOSS (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they floss    ... he / she / it flosses   
Past simple: flossed   
Past participle: flossed   
-ing form: flossing   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Use dental floss to clean

Classified under:

Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care

Context example:

floss your teeth after every meal

Hypernyms (to "floss" is one way to...):

clean; cleanse (clean one's body or parts thereof, as by washing)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

floss (a soft thread for cleaning the spaces between the teeth)

 Context examples 

Flossing once a day is also part of the "regular homework" for keeping gums healthy.

(New Link Found between Alzheimer's & Gum Disease Bacteria, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

Using dental floss, a string-like device, to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth.

(Flossing, NCI Thesaurus)

The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease, as by regular brushing and flossing and visits to a dentist.

(Oral Hygiene, NCI Thesaurus)

Keeping a clean mouth by brushing and flossing often is important.

(Mouth Disorders, NIH)

If you're at risk for IE, brush and floss your teeth regularly, and have regular dental checkups.

(Endocarditis, NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

You can get it if you don't brush and floss regularly.

(Bad Breath, NIH)

You can usually reverse it with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist.

(Gum Disease, NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)

Here's how to keep your mouth and teeth healthy: • Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste • Clean between your teeth every day with floss or another type of between-the-teeth cleaner • Snack smart - limit sugary snacks • Don't smoke or chew tobacco • See your dentist or oral health professional regularly

(Dental Health, NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)

Having good dental habits, like brushing and flossing regularly, help fight bad breath.

(Bad Breath, NIH)