phalaenopsis

[ fal-uh-nop-sis ]

noun

, plural phal·ae·nop·sis.

1. any of various epiphytic orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis, native to tropical Asia, having clusters of showy, variously colored flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phalaenopsis¹

< New Latin (1825), equivalent to Greek phál ( l ) ain ( a ) moth + -opsis -opsis; reflecting the popular name moth orchid

Example Sentences

These data include all types of live orchids, not only Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, which are the most common commercial variety, and most likely to pop up at your local shop.

From Quartz

Further back in the mountains I came across some fine species of Phalaenopsis.

From Project Gutenberg

Under these remarkable circumstances some scores of Phalaenopsis were thriving as I never saw them elsewhere.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he heard of a ‘red Phalaenopsis,’ on the north coast, a legendary wonder, which must have its own chronicle by and by.

From Project Gutenberg

The Phalaenopsis, they said, abounded within a few hundred yards, and the Aerides was common enough.

From Project Gutenberg

The discovery of Phalaenopsis Sanderiana was an interesting event; nor for botanists alone.

From Project Gutenberg