orchid

Meanings

Noun

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

Adjective

• having a light purple colour.

Origin

• From New Latin {{ll ("Orchideae")}}, Orchidaceae, an irregular formation from Latin orchis, from Ancient Greek ὄρχις (ostensibly from the shape of the roots). Supplanted Middle English ballockwort.