spleenwort

American  

[spleen-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈsplinˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. 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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spleenwort British  

/ ˈspliːnˌwɜːt /

noun

1. 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 fronds See also asplenium

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Etymology

Origin of spleenwort

First recorded in 1570–80; spleen + wort ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spleenwort

Plant maidenhair spleenwort in a container, where you can appreciate its beauty up close.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 18, 2023

This rare and delicate little plant bears a rather close resemblance to the maidenhair spleenwort, which, however, has dark stipes instead of green.

From The Fern Lover's Companion A Guide for the Northeastern States and Canada by George Henry Tilton

But aloft, where rich arras once hid the stone, and silver sconces held the torch, Nature now sets her hand, brings spleenwort and harts-tongue, trails the ivy, the speedwell, and the toad-flax....

From Devon, Its Moorlands, Streams and Coasts by Rosalind Northcote

In regard to the last member of the group, the narrow-leaved spleenwort, there is more doubt.

From The Fern Lover's Companion A Guide for the Northeastern States and Canada by George Henry Tilton

As a matter of fact, having climbed the path that ran beneath oaks and through patches of brakes, spleenwort, and lady-ferns, she was astonished to hear a faint, plaintive singing, and stopped to listen.

From The Side Of The Angels A Novel by Basil King

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