Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A genus of orchids, of the tribe Neottieæ, type of the subtribe Spirantheæ.

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

  • noun large cosmopolitan genus of white-flowered terrestrial orchids

Etymologies

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Examples

  • And so did calopogon, pogonia, spiranthes, and many other fine plant people that lived in our meadow.

    The Story of My Boyhood and Youth John Muir 1876

  • Actually, June Hutson’s placing of the spiranthes in with the carnivorous plants in a bog planting at the Kemper Center was what made me wonder.

    For Caleb — Lady Tresses update! « Sugar Creek Gardens’ Blog 2009

  • Then as soon as the bee arrives near the summit of the spike she will withdraw fresh pollinia, will fly to the lower flowers on another plant, and fertilize them; and thus, as she goes her rounds and adds to her store of honey, she continually fertilizes fresh flowers and perpetuates the race of autumnal spiranthes, which will yield honey to future generations of bees. "

    Wild Flowers Worth Knowing Neltje Blanchan 1891

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