monstera

American  

[mon-ster-uh] / ˈmɒn stər ə /

noun

1. any of various tropical American climbing plants belonging to the genus Monstera, of the arum family, especially M. deliciosa, having split or perforated leaves and often grown as a houseplant.

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monstera British  

/ mɒnˈstɪərə /

noun

1. any plant of the tropical climbing genus Monstera, some species of which are grown as greenhouse or pot plants for their unusual leathery perforated leaves: family Araceae. M. deliciosa is the Swiss cheese plant

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Etymology

Origin of monstera

< New Latin (1763), apparently irregular derivative of Latin mōnstrum monster; see -a ²

Example Sentences

Inside the structure, dozens of rows of plants — Monstera albos, variegated Alocasias and anthuriums — enjoy the warm, humid air that surrounds them.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

There are two deck chairs, a rattan sofa set with blankets and pillows, a small, circular table, a half-yellowed Monstera plant.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2022

All about aroids: Fans of Monstera and Philodendron are getting to know other plants in the Arum family.

From New York Times • Jun. 25, 2022

She says that monstera varieties, particularly Monstera deliciosa, are excellent for beginners.

From Washington Post • Jun. 21, 2022

Monstera deliciosa.—This is a native of southern Mexico and yields a delicious fruit with luscious pineapple flavor.

From Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by Saunders, William