Acrostichum

noun

Acros·​ti·​chum
ə-ˈkrȯ-sti-kəm,
-ˈkrä-
: a genus of tropical ferns (family Polypodiaceae) with varied habit but with the sporangia covering all the underside of the frond

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from Greek akrostichis; from the arrangement of the spores on the leaflets

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Acrostichum was in 1879

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Acrostichum

Cite this Entry

“Acrostichum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Acrostichum. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!