sensitive fern

noun

a common, widely distributed fern, Onoclea sensibilis, having large, triangular leaves and beadlike spikes that contain the spores.

Origin of sensitive fern

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15; so called from the sensitivity of its foliage to frost

Words nearby sensitive fern

sensible, sensible horizon, sensible perspiration, sensillum, sensitive, sensitive fern, sensitive plant, sensitiveness, sensitivity, sensitivity group, sensitivity training