Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

philodendron

[fil-uh-den-druh n]
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.
Show More

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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for philodendron

philodendron

noun plural -drons or -dra (-drə)
  1. any aroid evergreen climbing plant of the tropical American genus Philodendron: cultivated as house plants
Show More

Word Origin

C19: New Latin from Greek: lover of trees
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for philodendron

n.

1837, from the Modern Latin genus name (1830), from Greek philodendron, neuter of philodendros "loving trees," from philo- "loving" (see philo-) + dendron "tree" (see dendro-). The plant so called because it clings to trees.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper