cypripedium

[ sip-ruh-pee-dee-uhm ]

noun

1. any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, comprising the lady's-slippers.

cypripedium

/ ˌsɪprɪˈpiːdɪəm /

noun

1. any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, having large flowers with an inflated pouchlike lip See also lady's-slipper
2. any cultivated tropical orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, having yellow, green, or brownish-purple waxy flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of cypripedium¹

1765–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin Cypri ( a ) Venus + -pedi- -ped + -um neuter ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of cypripedium¹

C18: from New Latin, from Latin Cypria the Cyprian, that is, Venus + pēs foot (that is, Venus' slipper)

Example Sentences

Like most orchids, Cypripedium wardii doesn’t produce edible pollen.

From Science Magazine

Pink cypripedium, herbarium, Aeolian, buttercup.

From New York Times

Shop for traditional and rare plants, including eight types of Cypripedium orchids, at the Garden Fair and Plant Sale, sponsored by Friends of the National Arboretum.

From Washington Post

Over the centuries, the yellow lady’s slipper orchid has been classified and reclassified, named and renamed, but these days Cypripedium parviflorum is the accepted nomenclature for all North American yellow lady’s slippers.

From New York Times

A panel of botanical experts, the Cypripedium Committee, volunteer to look after and protect the rare flower.

From BBC