American shield fern

noun

: a woodland fern (Dryopteris spinulosa intermedia) of eastern North America with pinnae bearing glandular hairs

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American shield fern was in 1866

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 American shield fern

Cite this Entry

“American shield fern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20shield%20fern. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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