laelia

[ lee-lee-uh ]

noun
  1. any of several epiphytic tropical American orchids of the genus Laelia, having fleshy leaves and showy flowers.

Origin of laelia

1
<New Latin (1763), perhaps after Caius Laelius, Roman statesman of the 2nd century b.c.; see -a2

Words Nearby laelia

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use laelia in a sentence

  • Mr. Rolfe has satisfied himself that the strain of laelia purpurata is always present.

    The Woodlands Orchids | Frederick Boyle
  • And there, a short distance to the north, lives laelia pumila, which might supply the rosy tinge.

    The Woodlands Orchids | Frederick Boyle
  • The ordinary form of citrosmum also demands no comment, and I deal with the interesting laelia Jongheana elsewhere.

    The Woodlands Orchids | Frederick Boyle
  • Robin Measures is assumed to be a natural hybrid of laelia xanthina × Catt.

    The Woodlands Orchids | Frederick Boyle
  • In front and on one side are banks of tufa planted with Masdevallias, Lycastes, laelia harpophylla, and so forth.

    The Woodlands Orchids | Frederick Boyle