spleenwort

[ spleen-wurt, -wawrt ]

/ ˈsplinˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

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noun

any of various temperate and tropical ferns of the genera Asplenium and Diplazium, certain species of which are grown as ornamentals.

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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of spleenwort

First recorded in 1570–80; spleen + wort²

Words nearby spleenwort

splay, Splayd, splayfoot, spleen, spleenful, spleenwort, spleeny, splen-, splendent, splendid, splendiferous

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use spleenwort in a sentence

The Sea Spleenwort is hardly ever found at a great distance from the sea.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
In the crevices of lofty cliffs the Mountain Spleenwort approaches maturity.
How to Know the Ferns|Frances Theodora Parsons
The Mountain Spleenwort is one of a class which has irregularly clustered fronds.
How to Know the Ferns|Frances Theodora Parsons
Occasionally in their companionship we find the delicate and attractive Narrow-leaved Spleenwort.
How to Know the Ferns|Frances Theodora Parsons

If we make an expedition to the woods early in July we may, perhaps, find some plants of the Narrow-leaved Spleenwort.
How to Know the Ferns|Frances Theodora Parsons

British Dictionary definitions for spleenwort

spleenwort

/ (ˈspliːnˌwɜːt) /

noun

any of various ferns of the genus Asplenium, esp A. trichomanes, that often grows on walls, having linear or oblong sori on the undersurface of the frondsSee also asplenium

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012