/awr"kid/ , n.
1. any terrestrial or epiphytic plant of the family Orchidaceae, of temperate and tropical regions, having usually showy flowers. Cf. orchid family .
2. the flower of any of these plants.
3. a bluish to reddish purple.
[ 1835-45; Orchideae (later Orchidaceae ) family name, equiv. to L orch ( is ) a plant (see ORCHIS) + -ideae, irreg. suffix (cf. -IDAE); see -ID 2 ]