orchid

¹

[ awr-kid ]

noun

1. any terrestrial or epiphytic plant of the family Orchidaceae, of temperate and tropical regions, having usually showy flowers. Compare orchid family.
2. the flower of any of these plants.
3. a bluish to reddish purple.

orchid-

²

1. variant of orchido- before a vowel:

   orchidology.

orchid

/ ˈɔːkɪd /

noun

1. any terrestrial or epiphytic plant of the family Orchidaceae, often having flowers of unusual shapes and beautiful colours, specialized for pollination by certain insects See bee orchid burnt-tip orchid fly orchid frog orchid lady orchid lizard orchid man orchid monkey orchid purple-fringed orchid pyramidal orchid scented orchid spider orchid spotted orchid

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchid¹

1835–45; < New Latin Orchideae (later Orchidaceae ) family name, equivalent to Latin orch ( is ) a plant ( orchis ) + -ideae, irregular suffix ( -idae ); -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchid¹

C19: from New Latin Orchideae; see orchis

Example Sentences

A volunteer presented her with a bouquet of white orchids — her campaign’s official flower — and red roses, the emblem of the Democratic Socialists of America, which supported her campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

Farmers in Florida, one of the nation's leading producers of oranges, bell peppers, sugar, and orchids, also have reported steep production losses, facing an uncertain future.

From Salon

Unlike most plants, the orchid doesn't need sunlight, instead it feeds on nutrients from fungi underground.

From BBC

These orchids produce tiny seeds that can be carried anywhere by the wind, yet they often appear in clumps with small seedlings growing near mature plants.

From Science Daily

The dinner’s decor features fuchsia and purple African orchids and American roses.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• admiration
• adulation
• applause
• blessing
• commendation
• courtesy
• endorsement
• homage
• ovation
• tribute