Definition

1. Noun:

   • A soft thread for cleaning between teeth: A thin, often waxed filament used to remove food particles and plaque from areas a toothbrush cannot reach.
   • A soft, loosely twisted thread: A fine, silky thread, often of silk or cotton, used in embroidery.

2. Verb:

   • To use dental floss: The act of cleaning between one's teeth using dental floss.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Dental):

  • The dentist recommended using floss daily.
  • She bought a pack of mint-flavored floss.

• Noun (Embroidery):

  • The design was stitched with gold embroidery floss.
  • She selected a blue floss for the project.

• Verb:

  • It is important to floss regularly for good gum health.
  • He forgot to floss last night.

Advanced Usage

• "Floss out": To remove something by using floss.
  • He tried to floss out the piece of meat stuck in his teeth.

Variants and Related Words

• Dental floss (n): The specific product used for cleaning teeth.

  • Unwaxed dental floss is her preference.

• Embroidery floss (n): The specific type of thread used for needlework.

  • The embroidery floss comes in hundreds of colors.

Synonyms

• Interdental cleaner (n): A more formal term for dental floss or similar tools.
• Thread (n): A general term for a thin strand, which can be similar to embroidery floss.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Floss over (informal): To avoid dealing with or to gloss over a problem or detail.
  • He tends to floss over the difficult parts of the plan. (Note: This is an informal, extended metaphorical use based on the verb's cleaning action.)

Related Idioms

• No idioms are commonly associated directly with the word "floss."

Noun

1. a soft thread for cleaning the spaces between the teeth
2. a soft loosely twisted thread used in embroidery

Verb

1. use dental floss to clean
   • floss your teeth after every meal