: any of a large family (Orchidaceae, the orchid family) of perennial epiphytic or terrestrial monocotyledonous plants that usually have showy 3-petaled flowers with the middle petal enlarged into a lip and differing from the others in shape and color
Recent Examples on the WebAdditionally, Yosemite's rich plant life features more than 1,500 vascular plant species, including towering giant sequoias, the Yosemite bog orchid, which is only found in Yosemite National Park, beautiful blue lupine, and, at lower elevations, California poppy.—Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2024 The left side is dominated by an enormous orchid tree with long brilliant fuchsia flowers that is thriving in the western exposure.—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2024 There's a basic bouquet with a variety of flowers, a wildflower bouquet, a potted orchid, a bouquet of roses, succulents, cacti and a bonsai tree.—Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 7 May 2024 The singer, meanwhile, opted for a black-and-blue Oscar de la Renta gown that was inspired by an orchid.—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for orchid
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Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin orchid-, the base of the taxa names Orchideae and Orchidaceae — more at orchidaceous
: any plant or flower of a large family of plants that have usually showy flowers with three petals of which the middle petal is enlarged and differs from the others in shape and color
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