Nostoc \Nos"toc\, n. [F.]

(Bot.) A genus of alg[ae]. The plants are composed of moniliform cells imbedded in a gelatinous substance.

Note: Nostoc commune is found on the ground, and is ordinarily not seen; but after a rain it swells up into a conspicuous jellylike mass, whish was formerly supposed to have fallen from the sky, whence the popular names, fallen star and star jelly. Also called witches' butter.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)