pteridophyte

noun

pte·​ri·​do·​phyte tə-ˈri-də-ˌfīt  ˈter-ə-dō- 

: any of a division (Pteridophyta) of vascular plants (such as a fern) that have roots, stems, and leaves but lack flowers or seeds

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Pteridophyta, from Greek pterid- + phyton plant — more at phyto-

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pteridophyte

noun

pte·​ri·​do·​phyte tə-ˈrid-ə-ˌfīt 

: any of a group of vascular plants that have roots, stems, and leaves, reproduce by spores instead of by flowers and seeds, and include the ferns, club mosses, horsetails, and their extinct relatives