Alsophila

noun

Al·​soph·​i·​la
alˈsäfələ
1
: a large genus of tree ferns (family Cyatheaceae) found in tropical mountainous regions having ample finely divided fronds bearing naked sori
2
alsophila plural alsophilas : a fern of the genus Alsophila
3
: a genus of geometrid moths having wingless females and green-striped larvae that are loopers and include the common destructive fall cankerworm

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek alsos grove + New Latin -phila; akin to Greek aldēskein to grow

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Alsophila was in 1830

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Cite this Entry

“Alsophila.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Alsophila. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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