orchid

Etymology

From New Latin Orchideae, Orchidaceae, an irregular formation from Latin orchis, from Ancient Greek ὄρχις (órkhis, “orchid, testicle”) (ostensibly from the shape of the roots). Supplanted Middle English ballokwort (literally “testicle plant”).

noun

  1. A plant of the orchid family (Orchidaceae), bearing unusually-shaped flowers of beautiful colours.
  2. A light bluish-red, violet-red or purple colour.
    orchid:

adj

  1. (colour) having a light purple colour.

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