rock brake
- noun
:
helecho de roca
- Botanists study the adaptations of rock brake ferns to harsh, rocky habitats.
Examples
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We found several species of rock brake clinging to the cliff’s surface.
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The delicate fronds of the rock brake make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
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Look at the rock brake!
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The rock brake thrives in rocky environments.
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The delicate fronds of the rock brake fern add a lush touch to the rocky garden.
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We discovered a thriving colony of rock brake ferns nestled among the stones.
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In several national parks, the rock brake is known for its unique ability to survive in crevices.
Synonyms
A small fern that grows on rocks in warm places
A small fern that grows on rocks or cliffs
A fern that grows on rocks in northern North America with fronds like parsley
A small fern that grows in clumps on rocks with leaves like parsley
A small fern with dark shiny stems that grows on rocks
A low fern that grows on rocks or walls in shaded moist places
A small delicate fern that grows on walls and cliffs
A small fern with delicate leaves that grows on old walls and rocks
A small fern that grows on walls and cliffs
A small fern with divided leaves that often grows on rocks
A plant with thin leaves and small pouches that grows in cracks in mountain rocks
A small fern with thin lacy leaves that grows among rocks
A yellow-green fern that grows on rocks, often on limestone
A small yellow-green fern that grows in cracks of rocks in northern parts of the world
A small fern that grows on dry, rocky places, often in the Americas
A fern that grows on trees, rocks or soil in warm countries
A fern that grows on rocks or trees in North America and eastern Asia
A fern that grows on rocks or the bark of trees
A slender fern with shiny brown stems and divided leaves that grows on rocky slopes
A small fern that grows in clumps on rocky slopes in northwestern North America
A small fern that grows on rocks in cold northern places in Europe and Asia
A small fern that grows on rocks in cold northern regions with smooth leaves
A small fern with rusty-brown stalks and divided leaves that grows on rocks in cold northern places
A common fern with narrow leaves and brown stems that grows on rocks in northern forests
A small fern that grows on rocks in cool northern areas with brown stalks and long divided leaves
A small fern that grows on cliffs in California with purple-brown stems
A fern that grows on rocks in western North America
A small fern that grows on rocks in the eastern and southern United States
A fern that grows on rocks or walls in shady places in North America and East Asia
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is compositionally transparent: 'rock' modifies 'brake' (a patch/growth of ferns), so 'rock brake' is naturally interpreted as a brake growing on or associated with rocks. This follows a common noun+noun modifier pattern found across languages, so a learner who knows the rare sense of 'brake' would readily derive the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Rock brake may come from an old word brake that meant a 'fern', and rock shows where it grows. The image is simple: a small fern clinging to stones, so the name now means a little fern that lives on rocky places.
