orchid

/ˈɔː.kɪd/

Ɔː · kɪd (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 13,839

Definition

A plant of the orchid family (Orchidaceae), bearing unusually-shaped flowers of beautiful colours.

Etymology

From New Latin Orchideae, Orchidaceae, an irregular formation from Latin orchis, from Ancient Greek ὄρχις (órkhis, “orchid, testicle”) (ostensibly from the shape of the roots). Supplanted Middle English ballokwort (literally “testicle plant”).