Athyrium

noun

Athyr·​i·​um
əˈthirēəm
: a genus of ferns (family Polypodiaceae) differing from Asplenium (in which it is often included) in having curved or lunate sori compare lady fern

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from Greek athoros without sperm (from a- a- entry 2 + thoros semen) + New Latin -ium; akin to Middle Irish dairim I leap upon, Sanskrit dhārā stream

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 Athyrium

Cite this Entry

“Athyrium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Athyrium. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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