fern

 
Pronunciation: /fəːn/

noun (plural or ferns)

  • a flowerless plant which has feathery or leafy fronds and reproduces by spores released from the undersides of the fronds. Ferns have a vascular system for the transport of water and nutrients.
    • Class Filicopsida, division Pteridophyta

Derivatives

fernery

noun (plural ferneries)

ferny

adjective

Origin:

Old English fearn, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch varen and German Farn