fern

(fʉrn)

noun

any of a widespread division (Filicophyta) of nonflowering embryophytes having roots, stems, and fronds, and reproducing by spores instead of by seeds

Origin: ME < OE fearn < IE *porno-, leaf, feather (> Sans parna, feather, leaf) < base *per-, to transport, fly > fare

Related Forms:

See fern in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Any of numerous flowerless, seedless vascular plants having roots, stems, and fronds and reproducing by spores.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English fearn; see per-2 in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • fernˈy adjective

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