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Definition of indian pipe

indian pipe

Plural:Indian pipes
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indian pipe Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A herbaceous perennial plant (Monotropa uniflora) native to temperate regions of North America, Asia, and northern South America, characterized by a complete lack of chlorophyll, a ghostly white appearance, and a parasitic relationship with soil fungi.

Example

"While hiking through the dark, mature forests of the Appalachian Mountains, the botanist spotted a small cluster of Indian pipe glowing pale against the leaf litter."

Synonyms
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Word Origin & Etymology

The plant derives its common name from its pale, waxy, curved appearance, which closely resembles the traditional white clay or peace pipes historically used by Native Americans.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Indian pipe. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/indian pipe
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