cattleya

[ kat-lee-uh, kat-lee-uh, -ley-uh ]

noun

1. any of several tropical American orchids of the genus Cattleya, having showy flowers ranging from white to purple.

cattleya

/ ˈkætlɪə /

noun

1. any tropical American orchid of the genus Cattleya, cultivated for their purplish-pink or white showy flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattleya¹

1820–30; after William Cattley (died 1832), English botany enthusiast; -a ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattleya¹

C19: New Latin, named after William Cattley (died 1832), English botanist

Example Sentences

On every look, a curling cattleya orchid was pinned.

From New York Times

Cymbidiums, cattleyas and other flowering orchids are presented in decorative pots on round tables.

From Washington Post

Toppled from the throne is the cattleya: the frilled grandmotherly orchid that forms the stuff of corsages.

From New York Times

His dendrobiums, oncidiums, cattleyas and other orchids inhabit the window sills in his bathroom, kitchen and living room.

From Wall Street Journal

Or the ruffled trumpet of the corsage orchid, the cattleya.

From Washington Post