oncidium

[on-sid-ee-uhm]

noun

1. any of numerous tropical American orchids of the genus Oncidium, having clusters of flowers showing great variety in size, form, and color.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oncidium¹

< New Latin (1800), equivalent to Greek onk ( o ) - (combining form of ónkos barb of an arrow) + New Latin -idium -idium; so called from the crests on the labellum

Example Sentences

In addition to the cattleyas, customers find such beauties as vandas, similar in size and form to phalaenopsis but bluer and patterned, and oncidiums, with their profuse sprays of bright, delicate blooms.

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His dendrobiums, oncidiums, cattleyas and other orchids inhabit the window sills in his bathroom, kitchen and living room.

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Consider the oncidium, whose delicate sideways sprays of vivid blooms suggest a model mobile by Alexander Calder.

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Among the most beautiful is the oncidium, of a yellow hue, often seen—apparently suspended in air between the stems of two trees—shining in the gloom, as if its petals were of gold.

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The native orchids of Jamaica are mostly oncidiums, with insignificant little brown and yellow flowers, and have no commercial value whatever.

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