fern
fern
noun \ˈfərn\Definition of FERN
: any of a division (Filicophyta) or class (Filicopsida) of flowerless spore-producing vascular plants having alternating sporophyte and gametophyte generations; especially : any of an order (Filicales) of homosporous plants possessing roots, stems, and leaflike fronds — compare seed fern
— fern·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
— ferny \ˈfər-nē\ adjective
See Origin of FERN
Middle English, from Old English fearn; akin to Old High German farn fern, Sanskrit parṇa wing, leaf
First Known Use: before 12th century
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