What is the name for a long, divided leaf found in ferns?

The term "frond" specifically refers to the long, divided leaf structure characteristic of ferns. Fronds are typically elaborately lobed or segmented, making them distinct from the simpler leaves found in many other plants. This terminology is rooted in botany, where fronds represent a crucial part of the fern's life cycle and morphology, particularly in relation to their reproduction and photosynthesis.

While the terms "leaflet," "blade," and "lamina" refer to components or types of leaves in a broader sense, they do not specifically denote the unique structure of fern leaves. For example, leaflets are individual subdivisions of compound leaves, while blades and lamina typically refer more generally to the flat part of leaves or the surface area of leaves from different types of plants, without invoking the specific morphological characteristics of ferns. Thus, "frond" captures the unique and important characteristics of fern leaves in botanical classification.