moonwort

American  

[moon-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈmunˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. any fern of the genus Botrychium, especially B. lunaria, a rare fern having fronds with crescent-shaped leaflets.

2. honesty.

---

moonwort British  

/ ˈmuːnˌwɜːt /

noun

1. Also called (US): grape fern. any of various ferns of the genus Botrychium, esp B. lunaria, which has crescent-shaped leaflets

2. another name for honesty

---

Etymology

Origin of moonwort

First recorded in 1570–80; moon + wort ²

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

moonwort

Thin, green marsh fern circled lakes alongside moonwort, rattlesnake fern and horsetail.

From New York Times ● Oct. 21, 2016

I have the wild rosehip, and the flat shield of the moonwort, and a pea-pod, and more whose names I know not.

From The Dove in the Eagle's Nest by Charlotte Mary Yonge

The moonwort is supposed to be a very supernatural plant, and to have the power of opening locks if you place a leaf of it in the keyhole.

From Monitress Merle by Angela Brazil

One could easily find a rationalistic explanation of this sentiment, of course, but it is akin to a superstition entertained in some parts that wherever the moonwort flourishes the owner of the garden is honest.

From Storyology Essays in Folk-Lore, Sea-Lore, and Plant-Lore by Benjamin Taylor

With regard to the association with moonwort, it is interesting to recall that this is one of the plants supposed to be employed by birds for opening nests and removing impediments.

From Storyology Essays in Folk-Lore, Sea-Lore, and Plant-Lore by Benjamin Taylor

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---