in some systems of plant classification, any of a division (Pteridophyta) of plants possessing true vascular roots, stems, and leaves and reproducing by means of spores, including the ferns and lycopods
See pteridophyte in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(tə-rĭdˈə-fītˌ, tĕrˈĭ-dō-)
noun
Any of various vascular plants that reproduce by means of spores rather than by seeds, including the ferns and related plants, such as club mosses and horsetails.