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Glite Dictionary
sensitive fern

sensitive fern

8.8
A plant with leaves that fold slightly when touched and grows in wet woods
  • noun
  • /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv fɜrn/
  • US
translation icon : helecho sensible
  • In our garden, we planted sensitive fern alongside other native plants for their unique beauty.

Examples

  • The sensitive fern is known for its unique response to touch.

  • Many gardeners love the sensitive fern for its delicate appearance.

  • Gardeners admire the delicate fronds of the sensitive fern.

  • The sensitive fern thrives in moist woods and along stream banks.

  • When brushed lightly, the sensitive fern sometimes appears to fold its leaves.

  • The sensitive fern can be found in shady areas, where its fronds fold slightly when touched.

  • When the children brushed their hands against the sensitive fern, they giggled as the leaves reacted.

Synonyms

Onoclea sensibilis
vssensitive fern
  • Specialized
9.9

A fern with divided leaves that fold slightly when touched

is the plant's common name rather than the formal scientific label

Surface Forms

sensitive fern singular
sensitive ferns plural

Morphology

sensitive + fern

The meaning 'a fern that responds to touch' is directly and compositionally derivable from the constituents 'sensitive' (readily affected by touch) + 'fern' (a plant). This follows a common descriptive noun–adjective naming pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The name sensitive fern comes from the plant's habit of folding its leaves when touched, so sensitive describes how the fern reacts. That's why the name means a plant that seems 'sensitive' to touch.