resurrection fern
- noun
- /ˌrɛzəˈrɛkʃən fɜrn/
- US
:
helecho resucitador
- Farmers appreciate the resurrection fern because it can survive long periods without water, only to flourish again with moisture.
Examples
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After a heavy rain, the resurrection fern revived its lush green leaves, transforming the rocky landscape.
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The resurrection fern, which thrives in dry conditions, can be found growing on the bark of trees.
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As its name suggests, the resurrection fern has this capability.
Academic text (1991)
Synonyms
A fern that grows on tree trunks or rocks and survives long dry periods
A fern that grows on rocks or trees with grey rough undersides
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a fern that appears dead and then revives' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'resurrection' (return to life) with 'fern' (a plant). This descriptive compound follows common naming patterns for plants and is a readily inferable metaphor, so a B1 learner who knows the two constituents will likely understand the MWE.
Etymology
Resurrection fern gets its name because in dry weather it looks brown and dead, but after rain it quickly turns green and seems to 'come back to life'. That's why the word resurrection refers to 'coming back to life' and explains the fern's meaning as a plant that revives with water.
