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

All about aroids: Fans of Monstera and Philodendron are getting to know other plants in the Arum family.

From New York Times • Jun. 25, 2022

Hooked on houseplants like Monstera, Philodendron and pothos?

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2022

Her most expensive purchase was a damaged Philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’ she bought for $100 instead of $250 because its only growing node was rotting.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2021

Perdomo: My favorite plant is the Philodendron selloum because I really love the aerial roots, the foliage, how massive they can get and how easy they are to care for.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2020

The aerial roots of some other species of Philodendron hang vertically downwards, sometimes for a length of more than fifty feet.

From The Movements and Habits of Climbing Plants by Darwin, Charles