English · Nature & Environment
fern
/fɜːrn/
[/fɜːrn/]
feathery spore plant
Beginnernoun
Definition
A flowerless green plant with feathery fronds that reproduces by spores rather than seeds.
Example
Ferns carpeted the damp forest floor, unrolling their delicate green fronds in the shade.
Ferns carpeted the damp forest floor, unrolling their delicate green fronds in the shade.
Etymology
From Old English 'fearn', of Germanic origin.
How & Where It’s Used
Used for the plant in gardens, forests, and houseplant contexts.