frond
UK: frɒnd | US: frɑːnd
n. a large, divided leaf, especially of a fern or palm
n. a leaf-like structure in certain algae or lichens
The word "frond" traces back to Latin frons, frondis, meaning "leaf" or "foliage." It entered English in the late 18th century, specifically referring to the large, divided leaves of ferns and palms. The term retains its original botanical sense, emphasizing the structural elegance of such leaves. Unlike many loanwords, "frond" has remained morphologically intact, with no prefixes or suffixes added in English.
The fern's delicate fronds unfurled in the spring sunlight.
She brushed aside the palm fronds to clear a path.
Scientists study the frond structure of algae to understand their photosynthesis.
A single coconut palm can shed dozens of fronds during a storm.
The fossilized fronds provided clues about prehistoric plant life.