holly fern

noun

: any of certain ferns having fronds of a texture and glossy surface suggesting holly: such as

a

: an evergreen fern (Polystichum lonchitis) of the north temperate zone

b

: a California fern (Polystichum aculeatum) that is often cultivated for ornament

c

: a tropical Old World fern (Cyrtomium aculeatum)

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