online medical dictionary | definition of tussock

1. A tuft, as of grass, twigs, hair, or the like; especially, a dense tuft or bunch of grass or sedge. "Such laying of the hair in tussocks and tufts." (Latimer)

2. <botany> Same as Tussock grass, below.

3. <zoology> A caterpillar of any one of numerous species of bombycid moths. The body of these caterpillars is covered with hairs which form long tufts or brushes. Some species are very injurious to shade and fruit trees. Called also tussock caterpillar. See Orgyia. Tussock grass.

<botany> The imago of any tussock caterpillar. They belong to Orgyia, Halecidota, and allied genera.

Origin: From Tuz

Alternative forms: tussuck.

(01 Mar 1998)