Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Psilotum

noun
Psi·​lo·​tum | \ sīˈlōtəm\

Definition of Psilotum

: a genus (the type of the family Psilotaceae) of chiefly tropical fern allies with terrestrial or epiphytic habit, slender branching stems, and sessile 3-celled sporangia usually in spikes

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!

History and Etymology for Psilotum

New Latin, probably from Late Greek psilōton, a plant, perhaps from Greek psilon down, soft feather, alteration of ptilon; akin to Greek pteron wing, feather

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Psilotum

Statistics for Psilotum

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Psilotum

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

labile

Listen to the pronounciation of labile

readily or continually undergoing change

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Musical Words Quiz

  • gramophone
  • Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

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