polypody

noun

poly·​po·​dy ˈpä-lə-ˌpō-dē 

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

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