woodsia

[ wood-zee-uh ]

noun

1. any of various small ferns of the genus Woodsia, of northern temperate, alpine, and Arctic regions, having short, stout stalks, usually lance-shaped fronds, and often covered with fine hairs: common on mountains in rocky ledges and crevices.

woodsia

/ ˈwʊdzɪə /

noun

1. any small fern of the genus Woodsia, of temperate and cold regions, having tufted rhizomes and numerous wiry fronds: family Polypodiaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of woodsia¹

From New Latin (1815), after Joseph Woods (1776–1864), English botanist; -ia

Example Sentences

Usually the hairiness of the Oblong Woodsia is very pronounced.

From Project Gutenberg

Where there is less moisture and more exposure we may find the Rusty Woodsia, now belying its name by its silvery aspect.

From Project Gutenberg

Always the Rusty Woodsia seems to bring me a message from that abode of solitude and silence.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the specimens of Woodsia glabella brought away were a few which I judged to belong to a different species.

From Project Gutenberg

Although the two common species of Woodsia were near at hand, Woodsia glabella was still eluding my search.

From Project Gutenberg