spleenwort

[ spleen-wurt, -wawrt ]

noun

1. any of various temperate and tropical ferns of the genera Asplenium and Diplazium, certain species of which are grown as ornamentals.

spleenwort

/ ˈspliːnˌwɜːt /

noun

1. any of various ferns of the genus Asplenium, esp A. trichomanes, that often grows on walls, having linear or oblong sori on the undersurface of the fronds See also asplenium

Word History and Origins

Origin of spleenwort¹

First recorded in 1570–80; spleen + wort ²

Example Sentences

The Sea Spleenwort is hardly ever found at a great distance from the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

In the crevices of lofty cliffs the Mountain Spleenwort approaches maturity.

From Project Gutenberg

The Mountain Spleenwort is one of a class which has irregularly clustered fronds.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally in their companionship we find the delicate and attractive Narrow-leaved Spleenwort.

From Project Gutenberg

If we make an expedition to the woods early in July we may, perhaps, find some plants of the Narrow-leaved Spleenwort.

From Project Gutenberg