bird's-nest fern

noun

: a large epiphytic spleenwort (Asplenium nidus) of tropical Asia and Polynesia that has large lance-shaped leaves and is often grown as a houseplant

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bird's-nest fern was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near bird's-nest fern

Cite this Entry

“Bird's-nest fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bird%27s-nest%20fern. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on bird's-nest fern

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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