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velamen

noun ve·la·men \ və-ˈlā-mən \
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Definition of velamen

plural velamina play \və-ˈla-mə-nə\
: the thick corky epidermis of aerial roots of an epiphytic orchid that absorbs water from the atmosphere

Origin and Etymology of velamen

short for New Latin vēlāmen rādicum, literally, "covering of the roots"; Latin vēlāmen "covering," from vēlāre "to cover, clothe" (verbal derivative of vēlum "awning, curtain") + -men, suffix of result — more at 1veil

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  1. See words that rhyme with velamen Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about velamen

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