ˌsiprə̇ˈpēdēəm noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Late Latin Cypris, a name for Venus + New Latin -pedium (modification of Greek pedilon sandal); from the shape of the flower; akin to Greek pod-, pous foot — more at cypraea , foot
1. capitalized : a genus of leafy-stemmed terrestrial orchids having large drooping usually showily colored or marked flowers with a lip that forms an inflated pouch
2. plural cypripe·dia -dēə : a plant or flower of the genus Cypripedium or of the genus Cordula — see lady's slipper
3. : the dried rhizome and roots of an orchid ( C. parviflorum ) formerly used as a nervine and antispasmodic