bromeliad

[ broh-mee-lee-ad ]

noun

1. any of numerous, usually epiphytic tropical American plants, having long, stiff leaves and showy flowers, and including the pineapple, Spanish moss, and many species grown as houseplants or ornamentals.

bromeliad

/ brəʊˈmiːlɪˌæd /

noun

1. any plant of the tropical American family Bromeliaceae , typically epiphytes with a rosette of fleshy leaves. The family includes the pineapple and Spanish moss

bromeliad

/ brō-mē′lē-ăd′ /

1. Any of various tropical American plants of the family Bromeliaceae, most of which are epiphytes. They usually have long stiff leaves, colorful flowers, and showy bracts. The bromeliads include the pineapple, the Spanish moss, and numerous ornamental plants.

Derived Forms

• broˌmeliˈaceous, adjective

Other Words From

• bro·me·li·a·ceous [broh-mee-lee-, ey, -sh, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bromeliad¹

1865–70; < New Latin Bromeli ( a ), the type genus of the family (named after Olaus Bromelius (1639–1705), Swedish botanist; -ia ) + -ad ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bromeliad¹

C19: from New Latin Bromelia type genus, after Olaf Bromelius (1639–1705), Swedish botanist

Example Sentences

The insects in the water which ought to nourish the Bromeliad (Tillandsia) are really used by the Utricularia.

From Project Gutenberg

One individual was found in a bromeliad about three meters above the ground in the daytime.

From Project Gutenberg

One was in a bromeliad growing about ten meters above the ground.

From Project Gutenberg