labellum

[ luh-bel-uhm ]

noun

, Botany.

, plural la·bel·la [l, uh, -, bel, -, uh].

1. the petal of an orchid that differs more or less markedly from the other petals, often forming the most conspicuous part; the lip.

labellum

/ ləˈbɛləm /

noun

1. the part of the corolla of certain plants, esp orchids, that forms a distinct, often lobed, lip
2. a lobe at the tip of the proboscis of a fly

Derived Forms

• laˈbelloid, adjective

Other Words From

• la·belloid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of labellum¹

1820–30; < Latin, diminutive of labrum lip; for formation castellum

Word History and Origins

Origin of labellum¹

C19: New Latin, diminutive of Latin labrum lip

Example Sentences

This includes the labellum, a part of the orchid flower that attracts insects and serves as a landing pad.

From Scientific American

This includes the labellum, a part of the orchid flower that attracts insects and serves as a landing pad4.

From Nature

This study sheds new light on the genetic mechanisms underpinning key orchid innovations, including the development of the labellum and gynostemium, pollinia, and seeds without endosperm, as well as the evolution of epiphytism; reveals relationships between the Orchidaceae subfamilies; and helps clarify the evolutionary history of orchids within the angiosperms.

From Nature

Previous studies have shown that expanded B-AP3 and E classes with members that have different expression patterns in floral organs are associated with the innovation of the unique labellum and gynostemium in orchids9, 16, 17, and that duplicated B-AP3 genes are responsible for the modularization of the perianth of orchid flowers18.

From Nature

Apostasia presents a number of characters that are plesiomorphic in orchids, such as an actinomorphic perianth with an undifferentiated labellum, a gynostemium with partially fused androecium and gynoecium, pollen that is not aggregated into pollinia, and underground roots for terrestrial growth1, 5, 6, 7.

From Nature