phalaenopsis

American  

[fal-uh-nop-sis] / ˌfæl əˈnɒp sɪs /

noun

plural

phalaenopsis

1. any of various epiphytic orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis, native to tropical Asia, having clusters of showy, variously colored flowers.

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Etymology

Origin of phalaenopsis

< New Latin (1825), equivalent to Greek phál ( l ) ain ( a ) moth + -opsis -opsis; reflecting the popular name moth orchid

Example Sentences

“I don’t know if he would run into a burning building to save a Phalaenopsis from Trader Joe’s, but he told me once, ‘I’ve never thrown out a plant.’

From Los Angeles Times

He recommends using a potting mix labeled for Phalaenopsis orchids, which are also epiphytic.

From Seattle Times

Each greenhouse is packed with orchids of every shape, size and color, from the tiny yellow Platystele misasiana to the large magenta Phalaenopsis gigantea.

From Los Angeles Times

A profusion of white Phalaenopsis orchids decorated the sanctuary and a kilted Los Angeles Police Department piper played as Riordan’s widow, children and grandchildren filed into the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t know if he would run into a burning building to save a Phalaenopsis from Trader Joe’s, but he told me once, ‘I’ve never thrown out a plant’ and that’s probably true.

From Los Angeles Times