Definition of orchid
1 : 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
2 : a light purple
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Recent Examples of orchid from the Web
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In addition to the gorgeous displays of orchids in the show, there will be vendors selling a wide variety of plants and orchid growing products.
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For example, lemons and thyme in Italy; pineapples, orchids, and camellias in the tropics; or pomegranates, grapes, oranges, jasmine, irises, marigolds, and some orange lilies in Morocco.
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Tropical bromeliads, orchids, spathiphyllum, aluminum plants and dracaena like the shady sites.
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Surprisingly large, bright flowers from such stalwarts can be as captivating as any orchid, Learn more from Jeff Havel about succulents at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 1 at the Lyndhurst Community Center, 1341 Parkview Road.
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By David Malakoff, ScienceNOW Turns out the early Romans were wild about orchids.
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Hike, bike, or ride a horse on their 90 miles of trails to one of the many private natural nooks on the property; seek out Secret Pools and Falls, an unforgettable spot draped in orchids and palmetto palms.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'orchid'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of orchid
Origin and Etymology of orchid
irregular from New Latin Orchis
First Known Use: 1845
ORCHID Defined for English Language Learners
orchid
playDefinition of orchid for English Language Learners
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: a plant with flowers that are brightly colored and that have unusual shapes
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: a light purple color
ORCHID Defined for Kids
orchid
playDefinition of orchid for Students
: a plant with usually showy flowers with three petals of which the middle petal is enlarged and differs from the others in shape and color
Learn More about orchid
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See words that rhyme with orchid Spanish Central: Translation of orchid Nglish: Translation of orchid for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of orchid for Arabic speakers
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