phalaenopsis

noun phal·ae·nop·sis \ ˌfa-lə-ˈnäp-səs \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of phalaenopsis

plural phalaenopsis also phalaenopses play \ˌfa-lə-ˈnäp-ˌsēz\

: 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

Recent Examples of phalaenopsis from the Web

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, "How to pick the best orchids for interior design," 10 Apr. 2018
So to think of the orchid world just in terms of phalaenopsis is akin to regarding the avian world solely in terms of ducks.

— adrian higgins, idahostatesman, "Moth orchid’s ascent overshadows alluring varieties | Idaho Statesman," 21 Feb. 2018
Superficially the plant resembles Phalaenopsis gigantea, the largest Phalaenopsis species (native to Borneo).

— tom mirenda, Smithsonian, "Meet Stinky ‘Bucky,’ the Bulbophyllum Orchid that Shutdown a Smithsonian Greenhouse," 17 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phalaenopsis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.