adder's-tongue

noun

ad·​der's-tongue ˈa-dərz-ˌtəŋ 

1

: any of a genus (Ophioglossum, family Ophioglossaceae) of small ferns having a spore-bearing stalk resembling a serpent's tongue

2

: dogtooth violet

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

adder's-tongue

noun

ad·​der's-tongue

ˈad-ərz-ˌtəŋ

1

: a fern whose spore-bearing stalk resembles a serpent's tongue

2

: dogtooth violet