polypody

noun

poly·​po·​dy ˈpä-lə-ˌpō-dē How to pronounce polypody (audio)
plural polypodies
: any of a genus (Polypodium) of chiefly epiphytic ferns with creeping rhizomes
especially : either of two ferns (P. vulgare of Eurasia and P. virginianum of North America) with relatively narrow entire segments

Illustration of polypody

Illustration of polypody

Word History

Etymology

Middle English polypodie, from Latin polypodium, from Greek polypodion, from poly- + pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polypody was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near polypody

Cite this Entry

“Polypody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polypody. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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