filicology

noun

Etymology: From Latin filic- (stem of filix (“fern”)) + English -ology (a variant of -logy (suffix denoting the study of a particular subject)). Filix is probably derived from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- (“henbane”) + Latin -ix (a variant of -ex (suffix found in plant names such as cārex (“sedge”) and rumex (“sorrel”))).

1. The botanical study of ferns.

   “‡ Filicology.—That part of Botany which treats of Ferns.”

   “I think the same plan might be pursued in general Botany, with a good effect; but it is of far greater importance in Filicology, as so many of this class of plants may be recognized by their external form alone.”