Athyrium

/əˈθɪriəm/ noun

Definition

A genus of ferns with soft, feathery fronds, commonly called lady ferns.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'thyra' (door), referring to the fern's sporangia (spore cases) that lack a particular covering found in other ferns.

Kelly Says

Lady ferns in the genus Athyrium are among the most graceful ferns, and their delicate appearance hides remarkable toughness—they colonize disturbed areas and damaged forests faster than sturdier plants, proving that elegance and resilience aren't opposites in nature.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.