kelp

/kɛlp/

/kɛlp/

Other forms: kelps

Kelp is a common type of seaweed. You might encounter kelp scuba diving in the ocean, or even while diving into your miso soup.

Kelp is a plant that grows in the ocean which you'll often see on the beach at low tide or waving in the water. Many people eat different forms of kelp too — in Japan, two popular edible seaweeds are arame and kombu, both types of kelp that you've probably tasted if you've dined on miso soup. Kelp comes from the Middle English culpe, but its earlier origins are a mystery.

Definitions of kelp

1. noun

   large brown seaweeds having fluted leathery fronds
   types:

   sea tangle, tang

   any of various kelps especially of the genus Laminaria

   type of:

   brown algae

   algae having the chlorophyll masked by brown and yellow pigments