Featherfoil

/ˈfeðərˌfɔɪl/ noun

Definition

A plant with delicate, feather-like leaves or fronds; likely another name for a finely divided plant like yarrow or similar species.

Etymology

Compound of 'feather' and 'foil' (an archaic/poetic term for leaves or fronds). Named descriptively for the feathery appearance of its foliage.

Kelly Says

The word 'foil' for leaves comes from Old French 'foille,' and it's the same root in botanical terms today—this shows how medieval herbalists named plants by their most striking visual feature.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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