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velamen

noun
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ve·​la·​men | \ və-ˈlā-mən How to pronounce velamen (audio) \
plural velamina\ və-​ˈla-​mə-​nə How to pronounce velamina (audio) \

Definition of velamen

: the thick corky epidermis of aerial roots of an epiphytic orchid that absorbs water from the atmosphere

First Known Use of velamen

1882, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for 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 veil entry 1

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The first known use of velamen was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Velamen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/velamen. Accessed 8 Jul. 2020.

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