Fernsick

/ˈfɜːn.sɪk/ adjective

Definition

Obsessively interested in or affected by fern-collecting; suffering from pteridomania or fern fever.

Etymology

Compound of 'fern' and 'sick,' using the older pattern where 'sick' means afflicted or obsessed (as in 'lovestruck' or 'homesick').

Kelly Says

Fernsick perfectly captures the Victorian obsession with ferns—people abandoned normal life to hunt rare species, destroy habitats, and fill their homes with thousands of varieties!

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