butterfly orchid

noun

1. an epiphytic South American orchid, Oncidium papilio, having large yellow and reddish-brown flowers.
2. either of two terrestrial Old World orchids, Habenaria chlorantha or H. bifolia, having long clusters of greenish-white flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly orchid¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

The "Butterfly orchid" is so familiar that I do not pause to describe it.

From Project Gutenberg