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epiphyllum

[ ep-uh-fil-uh m ]

/ ˌɛp əˈfɪl əm /

noun

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

Words nearby epiphyllum

epiphora, epiphragm, epiphylaxis, epiphyll, epiphyllous, epiphyllum, epiphysial arrest, epiphysial aseptic necrosis, epiphysial cartilage, epiphysial line, epiphysial plate

Origin of epiphyllum

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

Also called orchid cactus.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for epiphyllum

The similarity of its branches to Epiphyllum led to its being included in that genus by Haworth.
Cactus Culture For Amateurs|W. Watson
The Epiphyllum, or Lobster Cactus, is one of the best of the family, easy of culture.
The Practical Garden-Book|C. E. Hunn
They are often called Epiphyllum, which name is, however, properly restricted to the group next to be mentioned.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4|Various

The
2019 WORD
OF THE YEAR is...