Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Acrostichum

noun
Acros·​ti·​chum | \ə-ˈkrȯ-sti-kəm, -ˈkrä-\

Definition of Acrostichum 

: a genus of tropical ferns (family Polypodiaceae) with varied habit but with the sporangia covering all the underside of the frond

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of Acrostichum

1879, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Acrostichum

New Latin, irregular from Greek akrostichis; from the arrangement of the spores on the leaflets

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Acrostichum

Share Acrostichum

Statistics for Acrostichum

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for Acrostichum

The first known use of Acrostichum was in 1879

See more words from the same year

Comments on Acrostichum

What made you want to look up Acrostichum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

tomfoolery

playful or foolish behavior

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Autumn Words of the Day 2018

  • a-top-down-image-of-road-through-an-autumn-forest
  • Which is a synonym of fugacious?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games