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butterfly orchid

noun

  1. an epiphytic South American orchid, Oncidium papilio, having large yellow and reddish-brown flowers.
  2. either of two terrestrial Old World orchids, Habenaria chlorantha or H. bifolia, having long clusters of greenish-white flowers.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly orchid1

First recorded in 1590–1600

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Example Sentences

The "Butterfly orchid" is so familiar that I do not pause to describe it.

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