Catasetum

noun

Cata·​se·​tum
ˌkatəˈsētəm
: a genus of tropical American orchids having globose expanded flowers in racemes and the column provided with a sensitive appendage that when touched releases the pollen suddenly from the stamens see jumping orchid

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from cata- + Latin seta, saeta bristle + New Latin -um; from the appendages of the column

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Cite this Entry

“Catasetum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Catasetum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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