cypripedium
Americannoun
noun
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any orchid of the genus Cypripedium, having large flowers with an inflated pouchlike lip See also lady's-slipper
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any cultivated tropical orchid of the genus Paphiopedilum, having yellow, green, or brownish-purple waxy flowers
Etymology
Origin of cypripedium
1765–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin Cypri ( a ) Venus + -pedi- -ped + -um neuter ending
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Another attaches similar tokens to the tongues of butterflies, while the cypripedium speeds its parting guest with a sticking-plaster smeared all over its back.
From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton
Since that time, many years ago, I have often sat long and patiently in the haunt of the cypripedium awaiting a natural demonstration of its cross-fertilization, but as yet no insect has rewarded my devotion.
From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton
Catching our bee before he has a chance to escape with his generous floral compliments, we unceremoniously introduce him into another cypripedium blossom, to which, if he were more obliging, he would naturally fly.
From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton
About twenty-five species of cypripedium are known, belonging to the north temperate zone and reaching south into Mexico and northern India.
From The History of Minnesota and Tales of the Frontier by Flandrau, Charles E. (Charles Eugene)
Some of these meadows are in great part occupied by Veratrumalba, which here grows rank and tall, with boat-shaped leaves thirteen inches long and twelve inches wide, ribbed like those of cypripedium.
From The Mountains of California by Muir, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
