frond

American  

[frond] / frɒnd /

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.

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frond British  

/ frɒnd /

noun

1. a large compound leaf, esp of a fern

2. the thallus of a seaweed or a lichen

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frond Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• fronded adjective
• frondless adjective

Etymology

Origin of frond

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

Example Sentences

“If I close my eyes I can see it: the graceful fronds waving in the breeze....”

From Literature

Penelope looked around but saw only moss, trees, and some lovely specimens of the common but ruggedly attractive swashbuckler fern, with its long, swordlike fronds and thick stems that were sturdy as peg legs.

From Literature

It is a truly spectacular variety that can easily grow six feet tall, with arching, attractively shaped fronds and spore-bearing stalks that turn a pleasing shade of brown when fully mature.

From Literature

They glided between kelp fronds and over seagrass and into a cave in the side of the reef.

From Literature

Mourners have been carrying branches and palm fronds, a symbol of mourning and grief among the Luo ethnic group to which Odinga belonged.

From BBC

Related Words

• needle
• petal
• stalk