phalaenopsis

noun

phal·​ae·​nop·​sis ˌfa-lə-ˈnäp-səs How to pronounce phalaenopsis (audio)
plural phalaenopsis also phalaenopses ˌfa-lə-ˈnäp-ˌsēz How to pronounce phalaenopsis (audio)
: any of a genus (Phalaenopsis) of ornamental epiphytic orchids of southeastern Asia and Australia having fleshy leaves and large showy flowers with broad lateral petals

Examples of phalaenopsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One of the central, and first, installations that the visitor encounters is, in fact, a magnification of the illustration that appeared on the scroll—a glorious tidal wave of phalaenopsis that looms over the visitor. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2023 Your phalaenopsis, often called a moth orchid, may take a short rest but can be back in bloom in a few months. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2023 Customers can choose single-variety or mixed bouquets, which might feature timeless favorites like king protea, O’Hara roses and phalaenopsis orchids, along with a few varieties endemic to the continent, including golden wattles, boronias, flannel flowers and callicarpas. New York Times, 4 May 2021 Many phalaenopsis orchids are gifted in containers without adequate drainage. Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 1 Jan. 2022 The tables were adorned with white lisianthuses, ranunculus, phalaenopsis orchids, roses, and greenery, all placed on runners. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2021 Brighten up a meditation corner in someone’s home with a phalaenopsis orchid from Just Add Ice. Joni Sweet, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2021 Your favorite nursery may have a good selection of holiday plants such as Christmas cactus, phalaenopsis orchids, paperwhite, cyclamen and amaryllis on sale now that the Christmas rush is over. Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, 2 Jan. 2020 More for your money: Once the phalaenopsis is done blooming, trim its stems back, put it outside (in warm climates) out of direct sun, or stick them in a tree, and look forward to another round of blossoms. Contributing Writer, NOLA.com, 10 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phalaenopsis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek phalaina moth + -opsis

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phalaenopsis was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near phalaenopsis

Cite this Entry

“Phalaenopsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phalaenopsis. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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