adder's-tongue

noun

ad·​der's-tongue ˈa-dərz-ˌtəŋ How to pronounce adder's-tongue (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Ophioglossum, family Ophioglossaceae) of small ferns having a spore-bearing stalk resembling a serpent's tongue
2

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adder's-tongue was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near adder's-tongue

Cite this Entry

“Adder's-tongue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adder%27s-tongue. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

adder's-tongue

noun
ad·​der's-tongue
ˈad-ərz-ˌtəŋ
1
: a fern whose spore-bearing stalk resembles a serpent's tongue
2
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