bracken

Etymology

From Middle English braken, probably of Scandinavian origin. Cognates include Danish bregne and Swedish bräken (“fern”).

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ækən

Noun

bracken (usually uncountable, plural brackens)

1. (uncountable, countable) Any of several coarse ferns, of genus Pteridium, that forms dense thickets; often poisonous to livestock.
2. (uncountable) An area of countryside heavily populated by this fern.