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orchis

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːkɪs/

Definition of orchis

noun

  • an orchid of (or formerly of) a genus native to north temperate regions, characterized by a tuberous root and an erect fleshy stem bearing a spike of typically purple or pinkish flowers.
    • Genus Orchis (or Dactylorhiza), family Orchidaceae

Origin:

modern Latin, based on Greek orkhis, literally 'testicle' (with reference to the shape of its tuber)

orchis in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of orchis in the US English dictionary