Aspidium
/æˈspɪdiəm/noun
A former botanical genus of ferns, many species of which are now classified in other genera.
Did you know?Aspidium comes from Greek aspidion, “little shield,” referring to the shield-like indusium, the protective covering over a fern’s spore-producing structures.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ep-
“A proposed ancient root associated with water or wetness; its connection to Greek aspis is uncertain and not used as the direct basis of this botanical name.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀσπίς (aspís)
“A round shield; also the hooded asp snake, named in connection with its expanded, shield-like hood.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀσπίδιον (aspídion)
“A small shield or little shield.”
19th Century
New Latin
Aspidium
“A botanical genus name formed from Greek aspidion, referring to the shield-like covering of fern sori.”
Modern English
English
aspidium
“A former fern genus, subsequently divided or reclassified in modern botanical nomenclature.”
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