spleenwort

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun any of various chiefly rock-inhabiting ferns of the genus Asplenium

Etymology

From spleen + wort, from their use as a cure for anthrax in livestock. Cf. asplenium.

In classic literature

Sea spleenwort and masses of samphire grew on the cliffs to his right. — Antony Gray,—Gardener, LM (Leslie Moore)
But aloft, where rich arras once hid the stone, and silver sconces held the torch, Nature now sets her hand, brings spleenwort and harts-tongue, trails the ivy, the speedwell, and the toad-flax.... 'Ivy-mantled, solemn, silent, it stands like a sentient thing, and broods with blind eyes upon ages forgotten; when these grey stones still echoed neigh of horse and bay of hound, rattle of steel, blare of trump, and bustle of great retinues.' — Devon, Its Moorlands, Streams and Coasts, Rosalind Northcote
"I know some people who always wear gloves when they turn over a portfolio of prints," Mrs Morgan said, coming to the Curate's side to protect her book if possible, "and these require quite as much care;" and she had to endure a discussion upon the subject, which was still more trying to her feelings, for Mr Leeson pretended to know about ferns on the score of having a Wardian case in his lodgings (which belonged to his landlady), though in reality he could scarcely tell the commonest spleenwort from a lycopodium. — The Perpetual Curate, Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms): fern
Narrower (hyponyms): black spleenwort, green spleenwort, ebony spleenwort, bradley's spleenwort, black-stem spleenwort, wall rue

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spleenwort

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