Alethopteris

noun

Al·​e·​thop·​ter·​is
ˌa-lə-ˈthäp-tə-rəs
: a genus of large fossil seed ferns represented by abundant remains in Carboniferous coal measures and having large bipinnate to tripinnate fronds with the thick pinnules being inserted on the rachis by a broad decurrent base
alethopteroid
¦a-lə-¦thäp-tə-ˌrȯid
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek alētho- (from alēthēs true) + New Latin -pteris

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Alethopteris was circa 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Alethopteris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Alethopteris. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

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