Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun Any of various epiphytic orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis of Southeast Asia and Australasia, widely cultivated as houseplants for their large variously colored flowers.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun genus of ornamental epiphytic orchids of Asia and Australia

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[New Latin genus name : New Latin phalaena, moth (from Medieval Greek phalaina, variant of Greek phallaina, moth, from phallaina, moth); see bhel- in Indo-European roots + –opsis.]

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Examples

  • It's a good thing that the phalaenopsis is considered a good "beginner" orchid because my history with houseplants is problematic.

    June 2005 2005

  • The phalaenopsis is the Valentine orchid of choice.

    Richmond.com - Main 2009

  • Large moth orchids, formally called phalaenopsis, sell for less than $20 while smaller plants sell for below $10.

    Latest News - UPI.com 2009

  • "The phalaenopsis is a good one to start with," Wargnier said.

    statesmanjournal.com - Top Stories 2009

  • I also brought in tall four-foot by eight-foot mirrors that I decorated with monstera leaves, hanging vines, and phalaenopsis orchids.

    My Fair Wedding David Tutera 2011

  • I also brought in tall four-foot by eight-foot mirrors that I decorated with monstera leaves, hanging vines, and phalaenopsis orchids.

    My Fair Wedding David Tutera 2011

  • I also brought in tall four-foot by eight-foot mirrors that I decorated with monstera leaves, hanging vines, and phalaenopsis orchids.

    My Fair Wedding David Tutera 2011

  • I also brought in tall four-foot by eight-foot mirrors that I decorated with monstera leaves, hanging vines, and phalaenopsis orchids.

    My Fair Wedding David Tutera 2011

  • My white phalaenopsis is wilting, so he rushed right over.

    Nancy Ruhling: Astoria Characters: The Dedicated Doctor Nancy Ruhling 2010

  • Inspired perhaps by his memories of the intrepid “Iron Discipline” in Tanganyika, he took consolation searching the island for phalaenopsis orchids, then his current hobby, to take back for an orchid house he was planning to create at Gipsy House.

    Storyteller Donald Sturrock 2010

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