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Definition of fringed orchid
fringed orchid
Plural:fringed orchids
fringed orchid Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
10
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Any of various terrestrial orchids, primarily belonging to the genus Platanthera and native largely to North America and Eurasia, characterized by striking flowers with a deeply fringed or divided lower lip.
Example
"Conservationists are working to protect the delicate wetland habitats where the eastern prairie fringed orchid continues to bloom."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A descriptive common name formed from 'fringed' (referring to the deeply cut or feathery edges of the flower's lower lip) and 'orchid' (from Greek 'orkhis', meaning testicle, referring to the shape of the roots in some species).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fringed orchid. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fringed orchid