labellum

American  

[luh-bel-uhm] / ləˈbɛl əm /

noun

Botany.

plural

labella

1. the petal of an orchid that differs more or less markedly from the other petals, often forming the most conspicuous part; the lip.

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labellum British  

/ ləˈbɛləm /

noun

1. the part of the corolla of certain plants, esp orchids, that forms a distinct, often lobed, lip

2. a lobe at the tip of the proboscis of a fly

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Other Word Forms

• labelloid adjective

Etymology

Origin of labellum

1820–30; < Latin, diminutive of labrum lip; for formation castellum

Example Sentences

This includes the labellum, a part of the orchid flower that attracts insects and serves as a landing pad.

From Scientific American • Jan. 24, 2018

This includes the labellum, a part of the orchid flower that attracts insects and serves as a landing pad4.

From Nature • Jan. 22, 2018

In a similar way the petals and labellum of Odontoglossum Uro-Skinneri have been found reduced to filamentous processes.

From Vegetable Teratology An Account of the Principal Deviations from the Usual Construction of Plants by Masters, Maxwell T.

Charming also are the pale varieties of Skinneri, such as Lady Roberts, a dainty rose, the petals only just dark enough to show up the labellum almost white; and Phyllis of somewhat deeper rose.

From The Woodlands Orchids by Boyle, Frederick

The labellum is wanting; and there are two sterile stamens, the supernumerary one being opposite the other, i.e. on the side of the style where the labellum belongs.

From Vegetable Teratology An Account of the Principal Deviations from the Usual Construction of Plants by Masters, Maxwell T.