cattleya

[kat-lee-uh, kat-lee-uh, -ley-uh]

noun

1. any of several tropical American orchids of the genus Cattleya, having showy flowers ranging from white to purple.

cattleya

/ ˈkætlɪə /

noun

1. any tropical American orchid of the genus Cattleya, cultivated for their purplish-pink or white showy flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattleya¹

1820–30; after William Cattley (died 1832), English botany enthusiast; -a ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattleya¹

C19: New Latin, named after William Cattley (died 1832), English botanist

Example Sentences

On every look, a curling cattleya orchid was pinned.

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Cymbidiums, cattleyas and other flowering orchids are presented in decorative pots on round tables.

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Toppled from the throne is the cattleya: the frilled grandmotherly orchid that forms the stuff of corsages.

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His dendrobiums, oncidiums, cattleyas and other orchids inhabit the window sills in his bathroom, kitchen and living room.

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Or the ruffled trumpet of the corsage orchid, the cattleya.

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