maidenhair

American  

[meyd-n-hair] / ˈmeɪd nˌhɛər /

noun

1. any fern of the genus Adiantum, the cultivated species of which have fine, glossy stalks and delicate, finely divided fronds.

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Etymology

Origin of maidenhair

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; maiden, hair

Example Sentences

In 2019, Corteva reported that genes for proteins found in maidenhair ferns could protect soybeans from soybean looper and velvetbean caterpillars, and since then both groups have sharpened their focus on ferns.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 16, 2023

Q: Can someone help resolve a problem I am having with my maidenhair ferns?

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2023

And then, sure, like I like to take on a fun challenge now and again with a more difficult plant to care for — but I have never been successful keeping a maidenhair fern alive.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2021

The good news is that the Mid-Atlantic region is a fern nirvana in that we can grow ferns from more northern and southern regions — for example, the cold-loving ostrich fern or the Southern maidenhair.

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2015

Under the live oaks, shaded and dusky, the maidenhair flourished and gave a good smell, and under the mossy banks of the water courses whole clumps of five-fingered ferns and goldy-backs hung down.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck