Search Dictionary
Definition of calathea

calathea

/ˌkæləˈθiːə/
cal · a · the · a
Plural:calatheas
JUMP TO:

calathea Lexical Profile

calathea Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any tropical perennial foliage plant of the genus Calathea (or the closely related genus Goeppertia) in the prayer plant family Marantaceae, native to the tropical Americas and widely cultivated as a houseplant for its strikingly patterned, purple-backed leaves that fold upward at night.

Example

"She placed the potted calathea in a humid corner away from direct sunlight so its patterned leaves would not crisp."

2

Any ornamental flowering species or cultivar of this genus (such as the eternal flame, Calathea crocata), grown for its dense, upright spikes of brightly colored orange, yellow, or white floral bracts enclosing small tubular blossoms.

Synonyms
View all synonyms for calathea

• Rhymes for calathea

• Nearby Words

calamity
calamondin
calandrinia
calathea
calceolaria
calcify
calcium

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Calathea. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/calathea
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.