male fern

noun

1. a bright-green fern, Dryopteris filix-mas, of Europe and northeastern North America.

male fern

noun

1. a fern, Dryopteris filix-mas, having scaly stalks and pinnate fronds with kidney-shaped spore-producing bodies on the underside: family Polypodiaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of male fern¹

First recorded in 1555–65

Word History and Origins

Origin of male fern¹

C16: so called because it was formerly believed to be the male of the lady fern

Example Sentences

Powdered male fern, a quarter of an ounce.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, only a week before Christmas, the male fern is still in handsome green masses; Blechnum is still good, and common Polypody at its best.

From Project Gutenberg

The liquid extract of male fern is the only drug used with much success.

From Project Gutenberg

The same authors also recommend extract of male fern for the treatment of fluke disease.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally, by the side of a copse, we may come upon a great bed of the male fern, which frequently keeps green all the winter.

From Project Gutenberg