Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A characteristic fern-like pattern on a slide viewed under low power on a microscope, used as a sign when testing for ovulation or the presence of amniotic fluid.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

fern +‎ -ing

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Examples

  • Each time a woman is approaching the time she will ovulate, "ferning" crystallized designs will appear on the slide.

    EzineArticles 2010

  • Performing a simple saliva-based test using a ovulation microscope at this time you'll begin to notice what appears to be little leafy looking patterns appearing throughout the dried sample. within a few days you will begin to notice "ferning", a dried crystal pattern that greatly resembles a small fern leaf.

    EzineArticles 2010

  • The "ferning" crystal-like design up here because of the elevating concentrated levels of estrogen.

    EzineArticles 2010

  • The "ferning" pattern you see on the slide suggests you're beginning the ovulation portion of your menstrual cycle.

    EzineArticles 2010

  • On the slide you will observe a really distinguishable "ferning" design on the glass slide, which resembles little leaves of fern.

    EzineArticles 2010

  • Saliva exhibits noticeable changes during a woman's fertile phase, displaying a distinctive crystallization or "ferning" pattern.

    Health News from Medical News Today 2009

  • You can hear the neighbor's fireworks, can see a trail of smoke, but there is no silver light ferning across the sky, no bloom of gun powder.

    Haircut 2008

  • You can hear the neighbor's fireworks, can see a trail of smoke, but there is no silver light ferning across the sky, no bloom of gun powder.

    Haircut 2008

  • How-and-ever, a mole ain't blind, and it's on'y them coster chaps as think so, but I've caught a many of 'em out ferning.

    A Son of Hagar A Romance of Our Time Hall Caine 1892

  • On'y nature don't keep ferning all the year round, so I'se forced to go fruiting winter times -- buying apples same as them from off'n the farmers down the country, and bringing 'em up to Covent Garden.

    A Son of Hagar A Romance of Our Time Hall Caine 1892

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