ladies' tresses

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: any of a widely distributed genus (Spiranthes) of terrestrial orchids with slender often twisted spikes of white irregular flowers

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ladies' tresses was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near ladies' tresses

Cite this Entry

“Ladies' tresses.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladies%27%20tresses. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ladies' tresses

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!