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Glite Dictionary
fragile fern

fragile fern

8.2
A delicate plant with thin divided leaves and easily broken stems that grows in damp woods
  • noun
  • /ˈfrædʒaɪl fɜrn/
  • UK
translation icon : helecho frágil
  • The fragile fern grew abundantly in the shady, damp corners of the forest.

Examples

  • She pointed out a fragile fern, warning not to touch its easily broken stems.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the fragile fern for its delicate beauty and soft green foliage.

  • Look at the fragile fern!

  • The fragile fern swayed gently in the breeze.

  • The fragile fern requires careful handling to prevent breaking its delicate fronds.

  • In the shaded woods, the fragile fern thrives in the moist soil among the trees.

  • Be sure to water the fragile fern regularly, as it can wilt quickly in dry conditions.

Synonyms

brittle fern
vsfragile fern
  • UK
8.1

A delicate fern with thin divided leaves and stems that break easily

emphasizes deeper frond divisions and presence in moist woodlands
Cystopteris fragilis
vsfragile fern
  • Specialized
9.9

A small delicate fern with thin divided leaves and brittle stems

uses common description that stresses deep divisions and woodland habitat

Surface Forms

fragile fern singular
fragile ferns plural

Morphology

fragile + fern

The meaning 'a delicate/brittle fern' is a straightforward compositional combination of the adjective 'fragile' and the noun 'fern' following the common adjective + noun pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both words can derive the MWE meaning. This modification pattern is cross-linguistically common and non-idiomatic, making the expression immediately comprehensible.

Etymology

Fragile fern gets its name from a clear picture: the plant has thin leaves and brittle stems that can break easily, so people called it fragile. That's why the name means 'a delicate fern'.