'fern-like' originates from the word 'fern,' which comes from Old English 'fearn,' meaning 'fern plant,' combined with the suffix '-like,' indicating resemblance.

'fern' changed from the Old English word 'fearn' and eventually became the modern English word 'fern.'

Initially, 'fern' referred to a specific type of plant, and the suffix '-like' was added to describe things resembling it.