資料來源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Female fern \Female fern\ (Bot.),
a common species of fern with large decompound fronds
({Asplenium Filixf[ae]mina}), growing in many countries; lady
fern.
Note: The names male fern and female fern were anciently
given to two common ferns; but it is now understood
that neither has any sexual character.
Syn: {Female}, {Feminine}.
Usage: We apply female to the sex or individual, as opposed
to male; also, to the distinctive belongings of women;
as, female dress, female form, female character, etc.;
feminine, to things appropriate to, or affected by,
women; as, feminine studies, employments,
accomplishments, etc. ``Female applies to sex rather
than gender, and is a physiological rather than a
grammatical term. Feminine applies to gender rather
than sex, and is grammatical rather than
physiological.'' --Latham.