tree fern

noun

1. any of various ferns, mostly tropical and chiefly of the family Cyatheaceae, that attain the size of trees, sending up a straight trunklike stem with foliage at the summit.

tree fern

noun

1. any of numerous large tropical ferns, mainly of the family Cyatheaceae , having a trunklike stem bearing fronds at the top

Word History and Origins

Origin of tree fern¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

We had one tree-fern that rose from the centre of a rockery, and spread itself over it like a handsome umbrella.

From Project Gutenberg

Acrogen, ak′ro-jen, n. a plant that grows at the top chiefly, as a tree-fern.

From Project Gutenberg

They were cool, and showed no trace of scorching, nor were their anklets of dried tree-fern leaf burnt.

From Project Gutenberg

In another lament a grieving mother is compared to the drooping fronds of the tree-fern.

From Project Gutenberg

Yielding to a first impulse of self-preservation, Laurence, quick as thought, stepped behind the stem of the tree-fern.

From Project Gutenberg