Filicales

plural noun

Fil·​i·​ca·​les
ˌfiləˈkā(ˌ)lēz
: an order of herbaceous, arborescent, or occasionally climbing plants (class Filicineae) that comprise the true ferns, that are characterized by exstipulate fronds, leptosporangiate sporangial development, and small thin-walled sporangia which are usually borne in sori on the undersides of the fronds, and that have a characteristic ring of thick-walled cells which assists in dehiscence of the spores compare fern ally, pteridophyta

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Filic-, Filix + -ales

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 Filicales

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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