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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
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Recent Examples of fern from the Web
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The chef, Jason Aldous, forages and then finesses hyper-fresh ingredients — fiddlehead ferns, ramps, organic duck eggs, local oysters — into dishes that highlight the crisp brine of the waters and earthiness of the terroir.
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On all sides of this young jungle was a fern-floored forest typical of western Oregon.
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Explore the fern plants Botanist Bill Harms discusses the center’s fern population.
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Once inside, the Campbells found more than 100 species of flowers, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs and trees — including those suited for prairie (full sun), wetland, shade, and woodland settings — available for sale.
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At altitudes above 1,000 metres, vegetation chiefly consists of ferns and bamboo, while palm trees cover the lower areas.
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Late spring is time for the white bells of salal, intermingled with uncurling fronds of new ferns, and one of my favorites: tiny starflowers, with their single pinkish-white, seven-pointed star shining from a cluster of deep green leaves.
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Baltimore explained to Ferns that serious allegations had surfaced regarding Fr.
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Carroll said the Ferns diocese has not received any allegations of abuse by Maskell.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fern'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of fern
Middle English, from Old English fearn; akin to Old High German farn fern, Sanskrit parṇa wing, leaf
FERN Defined for English Language Learners
fern
playDefinition of fern for English Language Learners
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: a type of plant that has large, delicate leaves and no flowers
FERN Defined for Kids
fern
playDefinition of fern for Students
: a plant that produces spores instead of seeds and no flowers and whose leaves are usually divided into many parts
fernlike
\-ˌlīk\ adjectiveLearn More about fern
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Spanish Central: Translation of fern Nglish: Translation of fern for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fern
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