lady's-slipper

American  

[ley-deez-slip-er] / ˈleɪ dizˌslɪp ər /

Or lady-slipper

noun

1. any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, the flowers of which have a protruding petal somewhat resembling a slipper: all species are reduced in numbers, some greatly.

2. any of several other related plants having similar flowers, as of the genera Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium.

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lady's-slipper British  

noun

1. any of various orchids of the Eurasian genus Cypripedium, esp C. calceolus, having reddish or purple flowers See also moccasin flower cypripedium

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Etymology

Origin of lady's-slipper

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

All these features are found in the 50 or more species of wild, native orchids in the UK, from the Lady's-slipper orchid to the Bog orchid.

From BBC

“Only one native site remains but, unlike lady’s-slipper orchid which also grows in a single native site and receives round-the-clock protection when in flower, this poor plant flounders in an unprepossessing roadside drainage ditch beside the A142 near Ely, Cambridgeshire, where it is at risk from discarded debris.”

From The Guardian

Certain species of lady’s-slipper orchids, some common and some endangered in Pennsylvania, easily sell for $50 or more, he said.

From Washington Times

The common pink lady’s-slipper, which grows in vibrant, pink forest clearings, can be confused with the showy lady’s-slipper, a threatened species, she said.

From Washington Times

They did give the wonderfully descriptive name of Moccasin-flower to that creature of the wild-woods; and a far more appropriate title it is than Lady's-slipper, but it is not as well known.

From Project Gutenberg