tillandsia

noun

til·​land·​sia tə-ˈlan(d)-zē-ə How to pronounce tillandsia (audio)
: any of a large genus (Tillandsia) of chiefly epiphytic plants of the pineapple family native to tropical and subtropical America

Examples of tillandsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Very fuzzy or gray tillandsia species have a more extensive trichome layer than greener tillandsias. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025 Spanish moss, whose latin name is tillandsia usneoides, is actually neither Spanish nor a moss. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024 Dig Gardens This Santa Cruz standout has a wide assortment of tillandsias — air plants — in hanging planters, wall decor and terrariums. Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 25 July 2019 Picture the exotic-looking and increasingly popular tillandsia. Emily Young, latimes.com, 8 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Elias Tillands †1693 Finnish botanist

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tillandsia was in 1759

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Cite this Entry

“Tillandsia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tillandsia. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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