philodendron

American  

[fil-uh-den-druhn] / ˌfɪl əˈdɛn drən /

noun

1. a tropical American climbing plant belonging to the genus Philodendron, of the arum family, usually having smooth, shiny, evergreen leaves, often used as an ornamental houseplant.

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philodendron British  

/ ˌfɪləˈdɛndrən /

noun

1. any aroid evergreen climbing plant of the tropical American genus Philodendron: cultivated as house plants

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Etymology

Origin of philodendron

1875–80; < New Latin < Greek, noun use of neuter of philódendros fond of trees, in reference to its climbing habit. See philo-, -dendron

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

philodendron

Use leaf stem cuttings to start a variety of houseplants like inch plants, philodendron, pothos, dieffenbachias, dracaenas, jade plants and many more.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 27, 2023

On another occasion, I bought a philodendron that has since taken over my home, “Jumanji”-style.

From New York Times ● Jul. 29, 2023

He’s bungled two marriages and fathered three children, but those dear ones receive less attention in this story than you might shower on a philodendron.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 9, 2022

Working with local plant sellers, she was able to get the entire class sponsored, with a hearty plant like a pothos or philodendron for each student.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 6, 2021

Joey loves plants, so she fills her room with them— potted plants sit on the windowsill, ivy and philodendron overflow from hanging pots.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly