n. 1 any usu. epiphytic plant of the family Orchidaceae, bearing flowers in fantastic shapes and brilliant colours, usu. having one petal larger than the others and variously spurred, lobed, pouched, etc. 2 a flower of any of these plants. orchidaceous adj. orchidist n. orchidology n.
[ mod.L Orchid(ac)eae irreg. f. L orchis: see ORCHIS ]