frond

[ frond ]

noun

, Botany.

1. an often large, finely divided leaf, especially as applied to the ferns and certain palms.
2. a leaflike expansion not differentiated into stem and foliage, as in lichens.

frond

/ frɒnd /

noun

1. a large compound leaf, esp of a fern
2. the thallus of a seaweed or a lichen

frond

/ frŏnd /

1. A leaf of a fern or cycad, usually consisting of multiple leaflets.
2. A large, fanlike leaf of a palm tree.
3. A leaflike structure such as the thallus of a lichen or a seaweed.

Derived Forms

• ˈfronded, adjective
• ˈfrondless, adjective

Other Words From

• fronded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of frond¹

1745–55; < Latin frond- (stem of frōns ) branch, bough, foliage

Word History and Origins

Origin of frond¹

C18: from Latin frōns

Example Sentences

You could probably get away with giving this gift to both the plant lover on your list and/or that special someone who genuinely fears the forbidden frond.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s believed Golden State bats are clustering in smaller numbers in rock crevices, swaying palm fronds, freeway underpasses and other hideaways where they’re hard to find.

From Los Angeles Times

Palm trees, which feed into the tourism fantasy that Southern California is a tropical paradise, provide zero shade; their heavy fronds are a dangerous nuisance and keeping them trimmed is a large municipal expense.

From Los Angeles Times

Palm trees, which feed into the tourism fantasy that Southern California is a tropical paradise, provide zero shade, their heavy fronds are a dangerous nuisance and keeping them trimmed is a large municipal expense.

From Los Angeles Times

Pilgrims waved branches and fronds in the air, items that were placed before Jesus’ feet as he was greeted by cheering crowds during his entrance into Jerusalem, according to the Bible.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• needle
• petal
• stalk