serpent fern
- noun
- /ˈsɜr.pənt fɜrn/
- US
:
helecho serpiente
- You can recognize a serpent fern by its brown, scaly rhizomes and distinct bluish-green leaves.
Examples
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The serpent fern is prized for its elegant, deeply lobed fronds in tropical gardens.
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After repotting, the serpent fern thrived on the shaded veranda.
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The serpent fern thrives in humid environments.
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Many gardeners love the serpent fern for its unique appearance.
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The serpent fern is prized for its elegant, deeply lobed fronds in tropical gardens.
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You can recognize a serpent fern by its brown, scaly rhizomes and distinct bluish-green leaves.
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After repotting, the serpent fern thrived on the shaded veranda.
Synonyms
A tropical fern with large blue-green leaves with deep lobes and brown scaly stems
A tropical fern with brown scaly stems and large blue-green divided leaves that people grow indoors
A fern with furry underground stems and large deeply divided green leaves
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward noun-noun compound: a B1 learner who knows 'serpent' and 'fern' can infer it refers to a kind of fern associated with serpent-like qualities (appearance or growth habit), so the basic meaning 'a type of fern' is directly derivable from the parts. Detailed botanical attributes in the definition are specialized, but they are not required for a learner to understand the word's general referent.
Etymology
Serpent fern gets its name from its snake-like look: the brown, scaly underground stems and long, deeply lobed bluish-green leaves curl and trail like a snake. That's why people put serpent with fern to name this 'ornamental' plant.
