labellum

[ luh-bel-uhm ]

noun

, Botany.

, plural la·bel·la [l, uh, -, bel, -, uh].

1. the petal of an orchid that differs more or less markedly from the other petals, often forming the most conspicuous part; the lip.

labellum

/ ləˈbɛləm /

noun

1. the part of the corolla of certain plants, esp orchids, that forms a distinct, often lobed, lip
2. a lobe at the tip of the proboscis of a fly

Derived Forms

• laˈbelloid, adjective

Other Words From

• la·belloid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of labellum¹

1820–30; < Latin, diminutive of labrum lip; for formation castellum

Word History and Origins

Origin of labellum¹

C19: New Latin, diminutive of Latin labrum lip

Example Sentences

Harrisoniae in colour and size of sepal and petal; in general shape and in the hues of the labellum after L. purpurata.

From Project Gutenberg

Certainly, if I may trust the vessels, the simple labellum of Gymnadenia consists of three organs soldered together.

From Project Gutenberg

My case of the Aceras with the aborted labellum squeezed against stigma supports your view.

From Project Gutenberg

I am still more pleased that I was right about insects gnawing the fleshy labellum.

From Project Gutenberg

This is important, as it explains all the astounding projections on the labellum of Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, etc.

From Project Gutenberg