epiphyllum

American

[ep-uh-fil-uhm] / ˌɛp əˈfɪl əm /

noun

any of several mostly epiphytic cacti of the genus Epiphyllum, native to tropical America, having large, fragrant white flowers.

Etymology

Origin of epiphyllum

< New Latin, equivalent to Greek epi- epi- + Greek phýllon leaf; so called from the leaflike branches on which the flower grows

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.

The epiphyllum, or lobster cactus, or crab cactus, is one of the best of the family, easy of culture.

From Manual of Gardening (Second Edition) by Bailey, L. H. (Liberty Hyde)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023