orchis

[ awr-kis ]

noun

1. any orchid.
2. any of various terrestrial orchids, especially of the genus Orchis, of temperate regions, having spikelike flowers.
3. fringed orchis.

orchis

/ ˈɔːkɪs /

noun

1. any terrestrial orchid of the N temperate genus Orchis, having fleshy tubers and spikes of typically pink flowers
2. any of various temperate or tropical orchids of the genus Habenaria, such as the fringed orchis

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchis¹

1555–65; < Latin < Greek órchis testicle, plant with roots like testicles

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek orkhis testicle; so called from the shape of its roots

Example Sentences

The same can be said of salep, a fine powder ground from dried orchis tubers used in the Middle East to thicken ice cream.

From Newsweek

Among the trees in the lower Kama Valley grow many parnassias, a tall green fritillaria, a handsome red swertia and a very sweet-scented pink orchis.

From Project Gutenberg

They were the fly orchis, and unusually perfect specimens.

From Project Gutenberg

The orchis is remarkable for its double bulbous roots and its agreeable perfume; we may therefore justify the idea that the Dudaïm of the Jews was a species of this plant.

From Project Gutenberg

These are so modest, one would hardly suspect they belonged to the showy orchis family.

From Project Gutenberg