First Known Use: 1846
Dictionary
phalaenopsis
noun phal·ae·nop·sis \ˌfa-lə-ˈnäp-səs\
plural phal·ae·nopsis also phal·ae·nop·ses\-ˌsēz\
Definition of PHALAENOPSIS
: any of a genus (Phalaenopsis) of ornamental epiphytic orchids of southeastern Asia and Australia having fleshy leaves and large showy flowers with broad lateral petals
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Origin of PHALAENOPSIS
New Latin, from Greek phalaina moth + -opsis
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