purple-fringed orchid

noun

variants or purple-fringed orchis
: either of two orchids of the genus Habenaria with the lip deeply cleft into three lobes and usually fringed and lacerate:
a
: a North American orchid (H. psycodes) with fragrant purplish-fringed flowers
b
: a closely related orchid (H. fimbriata) with larger paler flowers

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near purple-fringed orchid

Cite this Entry

“Purple-fringed orchid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purple-fringed%20orchid. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!