alpine woodsia

noun

: a slender fern (Woodsia alpina) of northern North America with shining chestnut-colored stipes, bipinnate fronds, and usually distinct marginal sori

called also flower-cup fern

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of New Latin Woodsia alpina

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpine woodsia was in 1848

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near alpine woodsia

Cite this Entry

“Alpine woodsia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpine%20woodsia. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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