monstera

[ mon-ster-uh ]

noun

1. any of various tropical American climbing plants belonging to the genus Monstera, of the arum family, especially M. deliciosa, having split or perforated leaves and often grown as a houseplant.

monstera

/ mɒnˈstɪərə /

noun

1. any plant of the tropical climbing genus Monstera, some species of which are grown as greenhouse or pot plants for their unusual leathery perforated leaves: family Araceae. M. deliciosa is the Swiss cheese plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of monstera¹

< New Latin (1763), apparently irregular derivative of Latin mōnstrum monster; -a ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of monstera¹

New Latin, perhaps because the leaves were regarded as an aberration

Example Sentences

I chose a monstera, with its leaves like Swiss cheese, because of its uniqueness.

From Los Angeles Times

I find awe in the monstera leaves, often larger than my head, and make silent wishes on my favorite orange-and-black koi fish every time I visit.

From Los Angeles Times

He just hasn’t been the same since Annette took his carpet-cleaning business in the divorce, and now he seems to be mistaking your monstera for a urinal.

From Salon

Inside the structure, dozens of rows of plants — monstera albos, variegated alocasias and anthuriums — enjoy the warm, humid air that surrounds them.

From Los Angeles Times

From bushy eucalyptus fronds to bold and beautiful monstera leaves, greenery is more than just filler.

From Seattle Times